WINSTON-SALEM, NC - Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation announced earlier this week that it has signed a development agreement with its Japanese franchisee, Krispy Kreme Doughnut Japan Co., Ltd, to build 73 new locations in the Kanto, Kansai and Chubu regions of Japan over the next five years.

"We are delighted to extend our relationship with Krispy Kreme Doughnut Japan Co., which has been our franchise partner since 2006," said Jeff Welch, Krispy Kreme president, international. "They are an outstanding operator, and we look forward to a continued association with them as they share the one-of-a-kind Krispy Kreme experience with consumers in Japan."

"Growing our partnership with Krispy Kreme and being part of their international expansion is very exciting to us," said Shinichi Uetadani, CEO of Krispy Kreme Doughnut Japan Co. "The Krispy Kreme brand is well-known around the world for great tasting and unique products. We look forward to continuing our development in these important regions."

Krispy Kreme is available in 21 countries, including the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, China, Dominican Republic, Indonesia, Japan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, the Republic of Korea, Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.