Bangkok--June 16--Dunkin' Donuts (Thailand) Dunkin' Donuts (Thailand) Co Ltd is putting priority on expansion of its donuts and drinks chain in the burgeoning upcountry market. The company foresees this market contributing significant growth to its fast food franchise that now consists of a total 1,000 points of sale throughout Thailand.Dunkin' Donuts products are sold at 110 Dunkin' Donuts stores, 659 7-Eleven convenience stores, 59 Select minimarts of Shell gas stations, 36 Tiger marts of Esso gas stations and 66 Jiffy minimarts of Jet has stations and 70 other minimarts."Dunkin' Donut is the first in the fast food field to make its products available at 1,000 sites in Thailand. This year, we will distribute our products to a greater number of sites outside of Bangkok. Unlike Bangkok, the fast food market upcountry is still maturing. The upcountry market will make up more than 50 per cent of our business expansion," according to Dunkin' Donuts President & CEO, Mr Ajit Raghav.Mr. Ajit added that by the end of this year, Dunkin' Donuts plans to expand a total of 30 stores and 170 convenience stores and minimarts. The expansion, mainly in upcountry sites, will include stand-alone stores and convenience outlets including Lotus Super Centre, 7-Elevens and gas stations.Sales of Dunkin' Donuts products during the first quarter of 1997 grew by 20 per cent. "This is quite a healthy growth given the slow economic situation. We expect to meet our projected growth of 25 per cent for this year," says Mr Ajit.He also said that to create greater awareness of Dunkin' Donuts particularly in upgrade country markets, the company is increasing advertising, promotions and sponsorships with a total spend of about 30 million baht.For further information, please contact : Khun Kasemsri, Tel. 719-6446-8 End.