Vientiane: Ediya Co., a prominent South Korean coffee franchise, announced the opening of its first outlet in Laos as part of a strategic move to enhance its presence in Southeast Asian markets. This development marks a significant milestone in Ediya's efforts to broaden its international reach.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Ediya entered into a master franchise agreement with Grandview Property Sole Co., a subsidiary of the local conglomerate Kolao Group, last year. The agreement is a strategic step for Ediya to strengthen its franchise business overseas. A master franchise agreement provides Grandview Property the authority to not only open franchise units within a designated region but also to sub-franchise them to other entities.

The partnership between Ediya and Grandview Property extends beyond Laos, with plans to establish Ediya outlets in Cambodia and Myanmar. Grandview Property's operations in the distribution and construction sectors in these countries are expected to facilitate the expansion of Ediya stores.

Laos represents the fourth international market for Ediya's coffee chain, following successful entries into Guam in 2023, Malaysia in 2024, and Canada earlier this year. Ediya, established in 2001, has grown to become a leading coffee franchise in South Korea, offering competitively priced coffee. As of the end of 2024, the company operated 2,581 stores within South Korea, Asia's fourth-largest economy.