A Paris Baguette employee gives free snack boxes to reporters at the media center located at F1 Pit Building in Singapore, Monday. / Courtesy of SPC Group
By Kim Jae-kyoung
SINGAPORE ― When you visit the international media center for the historic summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, you may come across an unexpected name: Paris Baguette.
The flagship bakery franchise brand of SPC Group, South Korea's leading confectionery company, is running a booth at level 3 of the media center located at F1 Pit Building from June 10 to 13.
They are providing free snack boxes consisting of sandwiches, baked cookies and drinks for journalists from all over the world.
Paris Baguette is the only non-Singaporean foreign brand among those set up at the media center. Singapore's four local brands are also offering free food and drinks there.
"With hopes of contributing to the success of the landmark event, Paris Baguette, as a global brand with 3,800 operations in Korea and overseas, is offering free snack boxes," said Kim Beom-seong, senior managing director of SPC Group.
"Also, we think this is a great opportunity to increase publicity among foreign journalists and let them know the high quality of our food and services."
The move follows its free catering service during the inter-Korean summit in late April in Panmunjeom.
There are two reasons behind SPC Group's service for the unprecedented summit between a sitting American president and a North Korean leader.
First, the group has roots in North Korea. Hur Chang-sung, late father of SPC Group Chairman Hur Young-in, was born in Haeju, South Hwanghae Province, in the North.
Second, the group, which first opened its Paris Baguette in Orchard Road in 2012, is expanding its business in the city state.
On rising demand here, it is currently running eight locations on the island nation, including four at Changi Airport.
