Baskin-Robbins to add 100 units in ChinaBaskin-Robbins to add 100 units in China

CANTON Mass. The Baskin-Robbins ice cream chain said it would expand its presence in China with 100 new stores, including its first unit in Shanghai.

Baskin-Robbins inked a deal Thursday with Shaanxi Stellerich Food and Restaurant Co. LTD that calls for the new units to be opened over the next 10 years in the eastern and northwestern regions of mainland China. The first Shanghai unit is scheduled to open by year end.

Xian, China-based Shaanxi Stellerich operates other quick-service concepts in the country, including KFC.

Earlier this year, Baskin-Robbins' sister brand, Dunkin' Donuts, announced that it would expand into mainland China with 100 stores planned over 10 years.

Baskin-Robbins has 5,800 stores worldwide, including 40 in Beijing. The ice cream chain and Dunkin' Donuts are both divisions of Canton, Mass.-based Dunkin' Brands Inc.