In an interview conducted on March 25 at the Pascucci Centro Seoul branch in the Jung district of Seoul, Chairman Mario Pascucci stated there is no bakery franchise of significant scale in Italy that can compete with Paris Baguette, expressing a strong desire to launch Paris Baguette in Italy as soon as possible.
Mario Pascucci is the CEO and third-generation founder of the Italian coffee brand Pascucci. Founded in 1883 in Monte Cerignone, Italy, Pascucci is an authentic Italian espresso brand that has expanded to 17 countries worldwide. It was introduced into South Korea by the SPC Group in 2002.
This visit marks Chairman Pascucci’s fifth to South Korea. His return after nine years since his last visit in 2015 is due to global cooperation efforts with the SPC Group. On March 24, Chairman Pascucci and SPC Chairman Hur Young-in signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the master franchise of Paris Baguette in Italy.
Pascucci has maintained a relationship with SPC for over two decades. However, the situation has changed significantly as the status of K-food has grown, exerting its influence worldwide. Paris Baguette has also expanded significantly, operating over 7,000 stores in 11 countries worldwide, including South Korea. It has opened a total of 7 stores in Europe, in France and the U.K. The entry into Italy would mark its third European country.
However, SPC Group’s Paris Baguette is still in the initial stages in Europe, the homeland of bread. So far, it has established only 7 stores across two countries, France and the U.K.