YO! to trial Panku kiosk concept in Asda stores

By Sophie Witts

05-Mar-2020 - Last updated on 05-Mar-2020 at 11:56 GMT

YO! has launched a pan-Asian brand Panku, which is to trial concession stands in Asda stores across the UK.

The kiosks will open in 20 supermarkets from March through to May 2020.

Panku was created by chef Neil Nugent and Andy Upton and has been developed through Taiko Foods, which was bought by YO! in 2018.

It will serve in-store dishes such as katsu curry; hand-rolled sushi; Korean bulgogi; and vegan tofu thai curry.

“We want to offer something fresh and delicious, which supports a number of lifestyle choices and emerging food trends, such as veganism and gut health,” says Upton.

Panku’s launch is the latest retail move for YO! as it seeks to diversify its portfolio away from restaurants.

The company is on track to launch YO! To Go kiosks in 50 Tesco stores nationwide, and has partnered with Sainsbury’s to introduce a range of grab and go products in fridges in over 300 supermarkets.

The Asda stores set to receive Panku concessions are in Aintree, Trafford Park, Harrogate, Killingbeck, Hounslow, Stevenage, Cardiff, Swindon Haydon, Cape Hill, Havant, Fareham, Totton, Eastgate, Sutton in Ashfield, Donnington Wood, Kingswood, Pudsey, Walton, Longwell Green and Ashton.