North Carolina-based doughnut brand Krispy Kreme has signed its first development agreement in India with franchisee Bedrock Food Company.  

Bedrock, whose portfolio also includes American submarine sandwiches brand Subway and frozen yogurt and smoothie brand Yogen Fruz, is expected to open 35 stores over the next five years. The stores will be located in six states in the north region of India, which includes the cities of Delhi, Jaipur and Lucknow.

“Manpreet Gulri and his team are leaders in the QSR segment in India,” said Jeff Welch, president, Krispy Kreme.

“Their strong industry experience and knowledge of the Indian consumer are great assets that they will be able to leverage as they bring the melt-in-your-mouth Krispy Kreme experience to the market.”

Added Purwa Sinha, MD of Bedrock: “Krispy Kreme is extremely popular in Asia and we expect Krispy Kreme to be well received in India.  Our experience with the Indian consumer shows Indians are very fond of sweets and believe in the concept of sharing.

“Coffee and doughnuts as a category has huge potential in India and we expect the market to grow quickly over the next few years.  We are pleased to enter into a franchise relationship with Krispy Kreme.”

Founded in 1937, Krispy Kreme has more than 690 stores in 21 countries worldwide.

GB