Krispy Kreme in South Africa: How American Doughnuts Found a Sweet Home
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts in South Africa is not surprising since the diverse South African marketplace is home to many American food companies. International fast-food and coffee chains see South Africa as a strategic entry point to tap into Africa’s growing middle class and urban food culture.
From Winston-Salem to Johannesburg
American doughnut company Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. was founded on July 13, 1937, when Vernon Rudolph opened the first shop in Old Salem, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA. Its headquarters is now in Charlotte, North Carolina. Nearly eight decades later, the brand made its move to South Africa, bringing its signature warm glazed doughnuts to a new market.
South Africa as a Launchpad into Africa
South Africa’s diverse consumer base and robust retail infrastructure make it attractive to global food brands. Major U.S. companies like McDonald’s and Starbucks have tested their African expansion plans here before moving northward. Krispy Kreme followed a similar strategy, viewing the country as a gateway to the continent’s emerging markets.
“We’re eyeing markets like Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana but want to test the waters first in South Africa,” said Krispy Kreme’s international vice president Michael McGill.
Krispy Kreme currently operates around 20 store locations in South Africa, most of them as cabinets or kiosks inside supermarkets such as Pick ‘n Pay and Quickshops, along with full retail stores in major malls.
The brand has expressed interest in expanding into Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana, but as of 2025 no official store launches have been announced outside South Africa.
Competition & Market Shifts
South Africa’s market can be challenging. Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin Robbins entered in 2016 but closed in 2019 due to underperformance. Krispy Kreme, however, has found a niche by combining its American brand appeal with South Africa’s love for sweet treats. It remains to be seen how aggressive the expansion will be into other African countries.
Did You Know?
South Africa has 23 Krispy Kreme locations, including:
- Rosebank Mall, Johannesburg
- Waterfall Mall, Rustenburg
- Ballito, Durban
- Brooklyn Mall
- Canal Walk Shopping Centre, Cape Town
- Cavendish Square, Claremont, Cape Town
- Gateway Theatre of Shopping, KwaZulu-Natal
- Mall of Africa, Waterfall City
- Sandton City, Johannesburg
American fast-food companies are increasingly exploring Africa’s growing middle class. Discover more about fast food pricing in Africa and read about how global food brands adapt to African tastes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Krispy Kreme enter South Africa?
Krispy Kreme opened its first store in Johannesburg’s Rosebank Mall in November 2015.
How many Krispy Kreme stores are there in South Africa?
There are about 23 Krispy Kreme locations, many as kiosks inside supermarkets and malls.
Is Krispy Kreme expanding to other African countries?
The company has shown interest in Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana but is testing the market in South Africa first.
