Honorary Georgian Consul Thelmo Cunanan and his partners will open the first Filipino franchise business in Georgia this year. The project will be carried out by “Fiorgelato International”, the overseas expansion arm of Fiorgelato, the Philippines’ fastest growing chain of boutique ice cream and gelaterias.

Fiorgelato has established its presence in the Philippines, with over two hundred outlets nationwide, and is branching overseas, with outlets in the USA, Middle East, and Japan. The company is planning to enter the Eastern European market and has targeted Georgia for its first investment. In this regard, Consul Cunanan and Fiorgelato owner/founder Richie Cuna met in Manila to discuss the company’s plan for expansion into the Caucasus. “I am very upbeat about the prospects of Fiorgelato in Georgia,” said Consul Cunanan. “Georgians love ice cream and our market research shows there is plenty of room for players with Fiorgelato’s unique business model and products.”

Fiorgelato is using patented technology and machines developed by Mr. Cuna, in cooperation with his European partners, which will allow the production of boutique gelato and high quality ice cream in retail outlets. “I think we will be very competitive in Georgia,” said Mr. Cuna. “Our price points are based on Philippine costs, which are similar to Georgian standards and much lower than European prices. Also, we are offering people the opportunity to become distributors of ice cream and not just retailers. So we will create more businesses.” Consul Cunanan and his partners are looking for ideal locations for Fiorgelato’s first outlet and are confident about opening in the third quarter of the year.