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Director Mike UK Chan yesterday said the company chose Thailand as the first country for its international expansion because of its large population.

The company has established Big Apple International (Thailand) with its headquarters in Bangkok. However, it has opened its first branch in Siam Centre shopping mall under its 49-per-cent-owned Archifood subsidiary.

Big Apple will invest entirely in a second branch in Seacon Square, and Archifood will then act as its investment consultant for the opening of more branches.

"I plan to open two shops in Thailand this year and expect to own 40-50 shops over the next three to five years. Each shop needs an investment budget of roughly Bt10 million. I will be investing approximately Bt500 million in Thailand over the period. I expect to generate revenue of Bt15 million to Bt20 million per branch," he said.

Apart from Thailand, Big Apple this year will expand to other Asian countries. It expects to have 100-150 outlets around Asia this year. Malaysia has 33 Bapple shops.

He said Big Apple would also expand its business to Europe, the Middle East and the US. At present, local investors in Dubai, Australia and New Zealand have approached the company to be master franchisers in those countries.

"Our product is different from others, because we offer freshness and doughnuts with low sweetness. The shop model will operate under the 'open kitchen' concept to show the entire production process. Despite the global economic downturn, the food business still goes well," he said.

Big Apple is also availing itself of the expertise of American doughnut expert Derek Taylor to create Bapple's formula and toppings.