Filenews 9 January 2025 - by Charalambos Zakos
For its arrival in Cyprus in 2025, a well-known London brand in the field of catering is being prepared, offering healthy and fresh food, but at fast-food speeds.
This is the café chain "Pret à Manger", or "Pret" for short – as most people know it – famous for the high quality fresh and healthy food it offers. The descent of the internationally known brand in Cyprus was achieved after moves by the Voici La Mode Group of Companies (VLM). In fact, as "F" is informed, within the next few days the announcements are expected, through which the opening of the brand in Cyprus will be formalized.
Voici La Mode Group (VLM) has been active in the retail fashion and catering sectors in Cyprus for over 70 years and represents many famous brands, such as Marks & Spencer, mamas&papas, undiz, sfera, Etam, Accessorize and celio.
Started by 2 friends
Pret à Manger was started in 1983 in London by two friends, Julian Metcalfe and Sinclair Beecham. Their idea was sparked by the absence of fast food options that offer immediate and fast fresh food of high quality. Their vision was to create a place where citizens could enjoy healthy, delicious meals, made from natural ingredients, without the long wait times that characterize traditional restaurants.
The company emphasizes the use of natural ingredients and advertises that its sandwiches are made at the same time as good products, while no ingredient or food is reused or sold the next day, since what remains unsold at the end of the day is given to charities.
The company has also implemented several initiatives to reduce environmental impact, minimize food waste and eliminate single-use plastics. A feature of the brand, which helped the success of the company, is its decision to adapt its menu and functions based on local flavours and dietary preferences, while maintaining the quality recipe.
The company's first "exit" from Great Britain was in 2002 in Hong Kong, followed in 2003 by its expansion to the United States.
Today, "Pret à Manger" counts more than 700 stores in 19 countries, including the USA, France, Hong Kong, Switzerland, India, Germany and Greece, while in 2025 its first stores are expected in Cyprus.
