Sumo Salad is continuing to expand its global presence with plans to launch in the key markets of North and South America.

The health food franchise was formed in 2003 after its founders, Luke Baylis and James Miller, spent two years in America experiencing the country’s trends of obesity, poor diet and exercise, and wanted to make sure it didn’t happen in Australia.

Now, after 10 years on home soil, Sumo Salad is opening its first store in North America, reconnecting with the country that prompted its very existence.

“In the US we noticed a need for easy, convenient, and affordable healthy lunchtime options, the current availability of this is scarce and consumers are hungry for fresh accessible produce,” said American master franchisee, Matt Yuriditsky.

“When we discovered Sumo Salad in Australia and learnt of the values they pride themselves on, we knew it was a business we had to be a part of and introduce to the US,” Yuriditsky said.

“We’re really excited about the launch of Sumo Salad into the American market and feel confident that it will resonate with consumers as well as educate them on healthy lunchtime options.”

Sumo Salad will also expand into South America with the launch of new stores in Brazil in late 2013.

According to Sumo Salad’s Brazil master franchisee, Joao Mastrangelo, the company is looking to open 300 stores across various markets over the next 10 years.

While Sumo Salad is looking to expand its stores globally, it still remains committed to providing healthy lunchtime options to Australians nationwide.

“We are looking to launch at least 15 new stores each year in Australian high street and CBD locations,” said Luke Baylis, CEO and founder of Sumo Salad.

“Sumo Salad will become more convenient than ever before and we’re really excited about what that means for people looking to make healthier lunchtime choices.”

Now in its tenth year, Sumo Salad has more than 90 stores across Australia, as well as nine internationally in New Zealand, United Kingdom, Dubai, and Singapore.