Dunkin' Donuts Dives into India

Dunkin’ Donuts (Canton, Mass.) said it has signed a master franchise agreement with Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd. (Noida, India) to enter the Indian market. The pact calls for Jubilant to develop, sub-franchise and operate more than 500 Dunkin' Donuts restaurants throughout India over the next 15 years.

The first Dunkin' Donuts locations in India are expected to open by early 2012. In addition to its deal with Dunkin’, Jubilant holds master franchisee rights for Domino’s Pizza for India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Nigel Travis, president and ceo of the quick-service restaurant chain, said expansion to India is an integral part of Dunkin’ Donuts' international growth plans. “As one of the world's fastest-growing economies and the second most populous country, India presents a tremendous growth opportunity for Dunkin' Donuts. We are especially delighted that we are entering the country with Jubilant FoodWorks, a world-class food service company,” said Travis. “With a deep understanding of the Indian consumer, solid operational expertise and best-in-class marketing, Jubilant will play a key role in delivering on our goal to bring Dunkin' Donuts coffee, baked goods and snacks to more people around the globe.”

The agreement marks the largest international store development commitment in Dunkin’ Donuts’ history. Dunkin’ Donuts has approximately 9,700 restaurants on four continents and expects to open its 3000th international location this month. The company’s entry into India follows its expansion over the past several years throughout Europe, the Middle East, Latin and South America as well as the Asia-Pacific market. The chain opened its first eight restaurants in Russia in 2010 and has opened more than 70 restaurants in greater China since 2007.