The Millat Group has already launched two Pret A Manger outlets in Johannesburg, with plans to expand to Pretoria, Cape Town, and Durban.
Pret A Manger is a British company which launched its first outlet in 1986. From the outset, it promoted itself as serving freshly made food and good organic coffee.
Pret A Manger, better known as Pret, offers a wide-ranging menu that includes sandwiches, salads, wraps, baked goods and snacks.
Pret also offers a wide array of organic coffees, teas and other hot and cold beverages, with vegetarian and vegan options.
The company’s latest financial results show a 10% year-on-year increase in sales across its company-owned and franchise stores.
This growth has been fuelled by international expansion and new franchise partnerships, with 25% of revenue coming from outside the United Kingdom.
There are more than 700 Pret shops worldwide, with 12,500 team members in 21 international markets, including South Africa.
Other markets include Ireland, the United States, Hong Kong, France, the UAE, Kuwait, India, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Portugal.
The global fast food chain also has stores in Belgium, Singapore, Germany, Canada, Italy, Greece, Spain, and Qatar.
The company’s latest results showed that Pret’s worldwide system sales across company-owned and franchise shops reached £1.2bn for the year.
Pret A Manger CEO Pano Christou said 2024 was another year of growth despite intense strains on the hospitality industry.
“Going forward, our priority will be to drive transactions and sustainable growth by offering great value for money for Pret customers,” he said.
“Our focus will be on growing Pret’s market share in the UK and internationally, prioritising city centres and travel hubs.”
Pret A Manger rollout in South Africa
In February 2024, the Millat Group signed an exclusive licensing agreement to operate Pret stores in Southern Africa.
“Pret A Manger has the best in the class offering of organic grab-and-go and a food service offering that stands out,” said Millat Group CEO Hamza Farooqui.
To ensure Pret offers products South Africans like, it worked with a local chef to curate a menu intended to connect with locals.
This means the local outlets offer global classics, such as those found in Pret worldwide, along with products with a South African flavour.
Millat Group launched the first Pret a Manger store in South Africa on 14 February 2025, in Melrose Arch in Johannesburg.
On 31 May 2025, the second Pret A Manger store in South Africa was opened at the Rosebank Zone.
A unique feature of this store is its local creative feel, courtesy of graphic design by Precious Mogoje, a University of Johannesburg student.
Mogoje’s design was chosen as the lead design for the display alongside Pret’s Emanating Star at the newest Pret A Manger store.
The Millat Group said the Rosebank Zone outlet followed the successful launch in Melrose Arch, which illustrated demand for its products.
“The Melrose Arch store has consistently exceeded expectations, with strong foot traffic and repeat visits,” the company said.
“The store has quickly become a staple for commuters, professionals, and residents seeking fast, delicious meals made with care.”
Hamza Farooqui, CEO of Millat Group, said this enthusiastic response from local customers helped them launch the next phase of a broader national rollout.
Earlier this year, Farooqui said they would open additional shops across tactical locations within South Africa’s key cities, including Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria.
Partnership with Discovery
In June 2025, the Millat Group announced a collaboration between Pret A Manger and Discovery Vitality.
This partnership makes it easier and more rewarding for Discovery Vitality members to use their Discovery Miles to conveniently access fresh food.
“Pret A Manger has joined the Vitality Mall, giving Discovery Vitality members even more ways to spend their Discovery Miles on new exciting rewards,” it said.
“This collaboration represents the best of both worlds, making accessible, flavourful, and wholesome food choices more accessible,” said Farooqui.
“Discovery Vitality is a trusted partner in promoting better living, and we’re proud to be aligned with that mission.”
“Through Pret, we’re offering convenient, delicious, fresh food, and through Discovery Vitality, we’re helping more members access it in a rewarding way.”
The collaboration extends Discovery Vitality’s Vitality Mall rewards options, while Pret A Manger brings a globally respected brand to the South African market.
“The tie-up reinforces the Millat Group’s vision of aligning its hospitality and food portfolio with leading brands that support smart, modern living,” Farooqui said.
Pret Melrose Arch stores photos
Pret Rosebank stores photos
Pret Food
