Today, Jamba Juice Company (JMBA) announced it had reach an agreement with Foodmark, a division of Dubai-based Landmark Group, to open 80 Jamba Juice stores across the Middle East over the next 10 years.

Image Source: Flickr/ Elizabeth M

"We are very excited to be partnering with the Landmark Group – they have a 40-year history of successfully building their own and franchise brands and they possess immense business and networking strength in the region," said Jamba Juice Company's International Senior Vice President, International, Thibault de Chatellus, in a press release. De Chatellus praised Landmark's "strong passion for Jamba Juice and a deep understanding of the different markets and consumers in their region."

Currently, Jamba Juice has only 45 international franchise locations, however the company believes it has the potential to have as many as 1,500 international stores. Jamba had 849 stores around the world as of Oct. 1.

It has a "pipeline commitment" to 480 locations, in South Korea, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, and across the Middle East. Of the 80 stores that it plans to open through its agreement with Landmark Group, the first is expected to be opened in Dubai sometime this year.

Kieran Mallon, the COO of Foodmark, said Jamba's offerings are "very relevant for our consumers, who are increasingly looking for healthier food and beverage alternatives, and embracing the global healthy and active lifestyle trends."

In addition to its expansion in the Middle East, Jamba Juice also today announced it would begin offering an expanded menu of "smoothies and fresh juices made with straight from the earth, whole food ingredients." The offerings will feature whole fruits and vegetables in an effort to continue to cater toward a more health-conscious consumer.

The options will include both Whole Food Nutrition smoothies, which feature ingredients like kale, carrots, chia seeds, and Greek Yogurt that will be offered in three new flavors. In addition, it will provide further fresh juice options for consumers that are made-to-order fresh.

"As consumers become more aware of the benefits of getting their daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables, we are determined to support their everyday health and lifestyle needs through our delicious products," noted Jamba Juice Company's chief brand officer Julie Washington in a press release.