News: Global F&B majors waiting to bite into India

(TV18 23/03/2006) Mumbai - The way to an Indian consumer's wallet is through the stomach, that's what international food and beverage companies believe. Several food and beverage retailers are waiting to tickle the Indian palate with a plateful of goodies.

Burger King, the second largest burger chain in the world, with 11,000 restaurants in more than 65 countries, is apparently looking for partners in India. Like its competitor, McDonalds, it wants to enter India through a joint venture or master franchisee.

After Dominos and Pizza Hut, one will soon be able to bite into pizza from Papa John's. The American company will share a slice of its profits with master franchisee, Pidilite Industries. American beverage chain Barney's Tea and Coffee has joined hands with Victoria Impex to set up shop here and Canadian chain Saint Cinnamon Bakery has HK Multiplex with it as its Indian master franchisee.

The Indian fast-food industry is growing at about 40% a year and is expected to generate sales of more than Rs 4,000 crore this year. That means more goodies on the table. Bon appetite!