Nando's wants World Cup action

Nando's is priming its tail feathers for the World Cup soccer tournament and is negotiating with various municipalities to offer catering in the FIFA Fan Parks. On Thursday Nando's chief executive Noel Doyle told Sake24.com that the motive was not profit, but rather to give the company and its staff an opportunity to share the enthusiasm and become involved in the tournament.

The fast-food group is currently negotiating with nine municipalities, following McDonald's decision not to exercise its rights to provide food in the Fan Parks. Nando's already has an agreement with Durban's eThekwini municipality, but Doyle would not comment on the negotiations currently under way.

Nando's will not be able to market its usual products in the parks. Neither is there an expectation that the group will make much profit; it could have fairly high logistical expenses. The catering will also be very complex, especially with regard to resources and equipment, says Doyle.

Nevertheless he believes that it will give Nando's the opportunity to contribute to South Africa staging the best World Cup soccer tournament yet.

Nando's apparently won't have much competition from local competitors. Famous Brands, which owns Wimpy, Steers and Mugg & Bean, inter alia, has decided not to become involved in Fan Park catering.

Over the past year Spur - like Famous Brands - has focused on expanding into areas like airports to increase its exposure to soccer fans.

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