Pret a Manger, the world-famous sandwich, fast food, coffee and fresh food chain, has officially canceled its plans to establish a branch in Israel.
This decision comes strongly influenced by the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip and the accompanying regional and global repercussions that led to the boycott of many international brands supporting Israel, according to the Israeli economic website Globes.
The decision represents a setback for the giant Israeli retail group, Fox Weasel, which had intended to introduce the brand to the Israeli market by the end of this year, according to Globes.
The “Fox Weasel” group, which owns 80% of the shares of the planned project, in addition to the 20% stake of the “Yarzin Sila” company, revealed that Brett Manger terminated the concession agreement under the pretext of “force majeure” due to the effects of the Israeli war on Gaza and the accompanying tensions. , as reported by Globes.
At the end of last month, Pret A Manger revealed its decision to cancel the licensing agreement.
Globes said that the decision also comes after significant pressure from pro-Palestine institutions, which threatened to boycott Brit-a-Manger if it continues its plans to work in Israel.
Pret & Manger, owned by GAP Holdings and headquartered in Luxembourg, operates more than 600 branches worldwide, including about 150 branches in the United Kingdom.
The brand is highly regarded for its sandwiches, snacks and quick meals and commitment to fresh ingredients, making it a favorite among travellers, especially in the UK with its extensive network in London and other cities, according to the platform.
Plans canceled in Israel
Before this development, Fox Weasel Group had ambitious plans to open approximately 40 Pret a Manger branches across Israel, starting with the flagship store in Tel Aviv, according to Globes.
Globes said the move was part of a broader strategy to diversify its offerings and capitalize on growing demand for high-quality, quick-service dining options in urban centers.
Electra Consumer Products, the operator of the 7-Eleven franchise in Israel, had announced a significant operating loss of 37.8 million shekels ($10.2 million), which recently prompted the chain to close amid poor performance and geopolitical sensitivities against the backdrop of the Israeli war on Gaza.
Boycott campaigns for companies that support or invest in Israel, organized by institutions and activists supportive of the Palestinian cause, have escalated, leading to major losses for many international companies such as McDonald’s and Starbucks.
Popular campaigns in Arab and Islamic countries, as well as campaigns by supporters of Palestine from various countries around the world, have caused, during the past eight months, a boycott that pursues foreign companies and products that support the Israeli occupation.
People see it as an effective and effective weapon, and the scope of the popular response expands in a steady and unprecedented manner, almost reaching the level of consensus, in a practical response to the continuing massacres against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.
