Here’s some news from “the fastest growing ice cream concept in the United States.”

Cold Stone Creamery, the fastest growing ice cream concept in the United States, has reached an agreement with the President Chain Store Corp. (PCSC) to open 105 stores in Mainland China and 60 stores in Taiwan over the next seven years. The company plans to open its first stores in Taipei, Taiwan and Beijing and Shanghai, China by spring 2007. This agreement marks Cold Stone Creamery’s continued commitment to bringing the Ultimate Ice Cream Experience to ice cream lovers worldwide. “We are truly excited to partner with PCSC to launch Cold Stone Creamery in China and Taiwan and further our expansion in Asia. We feel they are one of the true leaders in the restaurant/retail world in Asia and share the same desire we do; to make people happy around the world,” said Lee Knowlton, senior vice president of Cold Stone Creamery. Currently, PCSC is the largest convenience store operator in Taiwan with more than 4,300 stores. Over the last 30 years, PCSC has introduced brands such as 7-ELEVEN, Starbucks Coffee and Mister Donut to the Taiwan market.

And in other news from the “concept.”

Cold Stone Creamery today announced the selection of Saatchi & Saatchi as its new agency of record. The New York office will generate new ideas and be responsible for all strategic brand navigation and integrated advertising development. “We are impressed with Saatchi & Saatchi’s ability to create deep emotional connections with consumers,” said Kevin Myers, Cold Stone Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “We look forward to working with Saatchi as we transform our brand into a Lovemark and build loyalty beyond reason.”

A “Lovemark?” I had to look it up. Here’s one definition I found, “Lovemarks are the charismatic brands that people can’t live without.”