The Sydney-based firm is focusing on metros and mini-metros with a product offering that includes fat-free ice cream, frozen yogurt, soft serve and smoothies.
NEW DELHI: Global ice cream parlour chain New Zealand Natural is embarking on an expansion plan to open 100 outlets by 2009 across India as it aims to take on international brand like Baskin and Robbins.
The Sydney-based firm, which has tied up with Manju Enterprises, is focusing on metros and mini-metros with a product offering that includes fat free ice cream, frozen yogurt, soft serve, smoothies to shakes and juices in over 73 flavours at a price range of Rs 40-150.
"We plan to open 100 outlets by 2009 of varying modules in metro cities and the B grade cities, of these 35 are likely to come up by this year end," Manju Enterprises Director Himanshu Maheshwari said.
On the investment front, he said, it would be made by the franchisees.
Starting April, the company has opened outlets in Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur, while one each in Pune and Hyderabad are likely to come up later this month.
While the majority of the outlets are through other franchisees, six would be owned by its master franchisee --Manju Enterprises.
Taking an aggressive strategy, New Zealand Natural is offering its franchisees a margin of 50 per cent. It has three formats with entry level smaller outlet (Express Counter), slightly bigger 'Parlour Module' and a large 'Lounge Module'.
"A lion's share of around 75 per cent will be invested in the Parlour Module and remaining in the Express Counters and Lounges Module," Maheshwari said.
New Zealand Natural has been operating in Australia and New Zealand since 1986 and claims to offer 97-99 per cent fat free ice cream, frozen yoghurt, soft serve, smoothies, shakes and juices with a shelf life of two years under normal refrigeration.
It is present in over 14 countries and has over 400 parlours across the globe. All products are imported form New Zealand.
Maheshwari, however, said that after the initial 35 outlets the opening up of the rest would depend on the pace of the mall construction activity going on in various cities, he said.
He said as per the company norms, the master franchise can own and manage only six per cent of the total outlets in any country, while the rest would be owned by other franchisees who enjoy a 50 per cent margin in the total sales.
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