Riyadh, 11 May 2025 – Kerten Hospitality is taking Nakhati, its female-led, purpose-driven gelato brand, global. After a successful debut in Saudi Arabia, Nakhati is expanding via a social franchise model designed to empower women entrepreneurs and foster sustainable business ownership across borders.
With a mission rooted in community impact and ESG principles, Nakhati offers more than artisanal gelato – it is a platform for inclusive entrepreneurship. Kerten Hospitality aims to open 95 franchises worldwide within five years, targeting 15 openings in 2025. A strategic partnership with Francorp, a global franchise consulting firm with 50 years of expertise across 55 countries, supports this ambitious expansion.
Each Nakhati location will feature a unique selection of locally inspired flavours, developed to reflect the culture and ingredients of the community it serves, further deepening the brand’s commitment to local connection and authenticity.
The Nakhati franchise investment is designed for ease of entry and scalability. The model offers a projected payback period within three years, with ROI starting at 22% in the first year and climbing to over 50% by year five. With a lean operational setup, franchisees benefit from reduced overheads and EBITDA-positive performance from day one. In many markets, local SMEs and entrepreneurs can also access subsidies, grants, and financing schemes – making the path to ownership even more accessible.
With over 50 new malls expected to open across Saudi Arabia and the GCC by 2028 and rising demand for authentic, homegrown F&B concepts, Nakhati is uniquely positioned to capture a significant share of the regional dessert market. On a global scale, the ice cream industry continues to show strong momentum, projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.9% and set to reach a market value of $147.74 billion by 2030. Against this backdrop, the Nakhati franchise offers a compelling, scalable business model designed to capture market share both regionally and internationally, making it an ideal choice for forward-thinking franchise partners.
Having gained international recognition, including the Dentons Best Franchising Model Award for its inclusive and socially responsible approach, Nakhati has showcased its culturally rich, handcrafted gelato at global events like COP28 in Dubai, the Forbes Women Summit in Riyadh, and at the international festivals Taste of London and Taste of Paris. Nakhati’s flagship store is located at the prominent location of Diriyah’s Bujairi Terrace.
CEO Marloes Knippenberg says, “Nakhati is as a social movement, blending sustainability, cultural craftsmanship, and scalable business potential. With a unique focus on fostering an inclusive business environment that supports women in building their own ventures, Nakhati is a powerful demonstration of how social responsibility and business success can go hand in hand to drive meaningful impact.”
With flexible franchise formats – from full stores to mobile carts – entrepreneurs can tailor investment levels and growth paths. More details on franchise opportunities can be found at Nakhati or contact franchise@nakhati.com.
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