Chicken franchise Oporto has partnered with Aura Group to fuel its Asian expansion plans.

After signalling the company’s intention to move into Singapore late last year, Oporto CEO Craig Tozer said he’s confident the brand is well-positioned for international growth beyond New Zealand, backed by record sales growth and continued domestic expansion.

“Taking our brand internationally has always been a key focus,” he said.

“Having found the right master franchise and supply partners, we are excited to announce that Oporto will be expanding into Asia, with the first restaurant to open in Singapore mid-April 2018.”

Oporto wants to have 10 restaurants open across Singapore over the next five years, with plans to open three stores this year.

The inaugural restaurant is located at shopping and dining precinct Holland Village in central Singapore.

Later in 2018, Oporto also plans to expand its beverage category to introduce alcohol, in auditioning to relaunching its loyalty app and in-store experience program.

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