Yogurt brand Yogurberry plans to expand its pan-India presence by adding seven new stores by the end of next year and additional 100 over the next five years.

The expansion will take place primarily in metro cities such as Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai and will gradually extend to second and third-tier cities.

Yogurberry was brought to India by Dubai-based Synergy Holdings, the master franchisee of Yogurberry for India, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain. To grow the franchise, Synergy Holdings has partnered with Raasha Leisure and Entertainment as the area franchisee for northern and eastern region of India and Tack Food & Beverages for the western region.

Yogurberry sees great potential in India as consumers who replace traditional meals-to-go with healthier alternatives are increasing.

“The acquaintance of customers with concepts such as low-fat, probiotic and healthy living is giving health quick service restaurant segment an identity of its own,” said Pawan Batavia, Synergy Holdings partner.

Originating in Korea in 2004, Yogurberry is today a household name in countries like the US, Korea, China, Brazil, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Panama, Portugal, Malaysia, Sudan, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam and Macau.

Meanwhile, US retailer of smoothies and juices Smoothie Factory is set to open its first store in India in this year’s fourth quarter after signing a franchise agreement with Indian businessman Anil Khera.

Another US yogurt brand, Red Mango, said will invest US$4 million to open 12-15 stores in Mumbai, Chandigarh, NCR and Bangalore this year.

Research consultancy firm Technopak Advisors estimates the frozen yogurt market will grow to US$5 billion over the next three years in India.

GB