Dunkin’ Donuts has India on its mind

Mumbai: Dunkin' Donuts is mulling entering the sub-continent, a number of years Baskin Robbins from the same stable set up shop.

In an interview to Bloomberg, Jon Luther, chairman, Dunkin' Brands Inc, said ''India is under evaluation. Before one enters a market, it is necessary to understand the culture of that country, real estate costs, kind of partners available, distribution costs and everyone knows India is a complicated country. By end of 2008, the quest to open stores shall begin.''

Up until now, Japan and other Asian countries were Dunkin's focus. However, after witnessing strong growth here over the course of the last 2-3years, Dunkin' is confident enough to give China another go, and mull a venture in India as well. Luther said around 200-300 stores will be opened annually.

The brand had reversals in China around eight years back, and had to shut down its seven stores. Now, the global coffee and bakery products chain has plans to open the first of a thousand stores in China, sometime around April. After the Dragon, could be the Elephant.

In India, the Dunkin' coffee and bakery chain will be entering will be entering a market that is yet to see the presence of an organised retail chain. Of the estimated 85,000 bakeries in India, 75,000 are part of the unorganised sector. The baking industry in India is displaying an eight percent growth, according to reports, with the bread and biscuit segment making up 85 per cent of the market share. Typical bakery items in the Indian market are biscuits, bread and cakes.