US smoothie chain Jamba Juice is looking to India as its next international market.

Indians’ inclination towards healthy eating as well as the country’s growing middle class have attracted the company to open in the country, it says.

“We have identified India as a priority market. Selecting the right partner is critical to our success internationally and this is particularly true for India,” said senior VP Thibault de Chatellus.

With a juice industry still in its infancy, Jamba Juice is optimistic India has a lot of potential for growth.

However, according to Franchise India Holdings president Gaurav Marya, any new food or beverage category will have to pass through the initial resistance stages to reap dividends.

Founded in 1990, Jamba Juice offers specialty beverage and food including fruit smoothies, juices, hot coffee and teas, hot oatmeal, breakfast wraps, bistro sandwiches and mini wraps, yogurts and a variety of baked goods and snacks. Currently, it has more than 788 stores globally.

GB