Global coffee chain Gloria Jean’s is embarking on an aggressive expansion in India with plans to more than double its outlets to 50 by next year-end.

“In the next 12 months, we look to have 50 stores primarily in cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi,” Gloria Jean’s Coffees Regional General Manager, Mr Tony White, told PTI on the sidelines of Franchise India summit here today.

Currently the coffee chain has 20 outlets in India. As part of the expansion, the company is also looking to expand in smaller cities like Chandigarh, Jaipur and Pune, Mr White added.

Gloria Jean’s Coffees that entered India in 2008 had appointed Citymax India, which is a part of the Dubai-based global retail giant Landmark Group, as its master franchise. It started off with first four outlets in 2008 and so far it has 20 stores.

“In terms of number of stores, at present India is in top ten biggest markets for us. Once the expansion is completed, it will be among the top three after Australia and the US,” Mr White said.

Asked about investments, he said it would be made by master franchise and did not share any absolute numbers.The coffee chain is also looking to expand its offerings and bring fresh and hot food items due to more demand from consumers in India.

Asked if the company would consider running operations in India on its own if the proposed relaxation of FDI norms in retail goes through, he said: “We are very happy with our business in India and we would continue with our local partner as they bring a lot of local understanding and expertise.”

According to the company’s website, Gloria Jean’s Coffees has over 1,000 stores and signed 42 master franchise agreements across 39 counties worldwide, with over 480 stores opened in Australia.

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