Citymax Hotels India, the hospitality division of Dubai-based retailer Landmark Group, has entered a franchise agreement with US-based Krispy Kreme Doughnuts to open 80 Krispy Kreme stores in South and West India over the next five years. The first Krispy Kreme store is scheduled to open in Bangalore at Puravankara Pavilion on Churchstreet before the year end.
The doughnut, a popular snack in the US and 21 other markets, is becoming a new indulgence for Indians who are looking for convenience and are fond of experimenting with new sweet treats.
Commenting on the partnership, Renuka Jagtiani, Vice Chairperson, Landmark Group, said: “India presents a great growth opportunity for brands like Krispy Kreme as it is one of the fastest growing economies. We believe in being at the forefront of presenting new and relevant concepts to India. Landmark is, therefore, delighted to introduce the Indian consumers to Krispy Kreme doughnuts and also add them as part of our portfolio.”
Speaking on the association, Peter King, Vice President, International Development, Krispy Kreme Corporation said that the company is excited to work with the Landmark Group which has a sound understanding of the Indian consumer.
According to the company officials, Citymax Hotels and Krispy Kreme will also make some local adaptations to suit the Indian taste. The new store in Bangalore will have a “Doughnut Theatre” for customers to watch the doughnut-making process from beginning till end. The store’s doughnut-making machine can produce and glaze nearly 12,000 to 24,000 doughnuts a day.
Citymax operates in casual dining restaurants (Polynation), coffee outlets (Gloria Jean’s Coffees), and fun and entertainment centres (Fun City) across India.
Founded in 1937, Krispy Kreme is headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States. Currently, it is present in approximately 694 global locations and 10,000 grocery, convenience, and mass merchant stores in the US.
