Joost Juice Bars bets big on growing health awareness in India

Australian retail chain Boost Juice Bars, which is present in India under the brand Joost Juice Bars, is looking to operate about 100 stores by 2020.

The company introduced the natural juice and smoothies bar concept in India through a master franchise agreement with NatureU Enterprises, which currently operates 14 stores in Delhi-NCR and Mumbai.

Talking about the brand's growth in India, Janine Allis, Founder, Boost Juice Bars Australia, said: “In India, there are challenges due to lack of infrastructure, cold chains and it takes time to build a supply chain. Through the past few years, we have now understood the market. If one looks at the demographics and the potential, I believe India could be one of our fastest growing markets, now that the foundation of the business has been established.”

Allis said factors such as India being primarily a vegetarian market and growing health-consciousness will be catalyst for the company’s growth.

The Indian master franchise expects to be running 30 stores by 2017.

Currently, the company has outlets at airports, hospitals, shopping malls and gyms. It hopes to woo health-conscious consumers with cold-pressed juices, smoothies, low-fat wraps and sandwiches.

The fresh juice segment in the country is largely unorganised and fragmented.

Rivoli Sinha, Founder and MD, Joost Juice Bars, said: “Now that we have established the first few outlets and have a robust supply chain, we believe we will be able to scale up faster. We will expand through roping in sub-franchisees. We have already identified cities such as Hyderabad, Pune, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad for expansion.”

She said while the company would first look at expanding in metros, it would also look at smaller cities.

“For smaller cities, we may have to look at a different model and ensure we price ourselves right. While we operate in a niche segment, we want to ensure we are affordable.”

Overall, Boost Juice Bars have presence in 14 countries and operates about 450 stores.

McDonald’s enters Goa; 240th outlet in west, south India

Westlife Development Ltd, owner of the master franchise of McDonald's restaurants in west & south India through its subsidiary Hardcastle Restaurants Private Ltd (HRPL), officially announces its entry in the state of Goa with the inauguration of its first restaurant. The new outlet marks its entry into the 10th state and opens its 240th restaurant in west & south India.

As per a press release, the new restaurant has found abode in the Mall De Goa, a centrally located mall on national highway 17, Porvorim, and accessible from all routes in the state. The restaurant is spread over 1,090 sq ft, in a food court which will deliver the same quality of food, service and ambiance that the brand is internationally known for. It will offer customers a convenient dining experience in the mall's open food court on level 3, between 10 am and 10 pm every day.

Commenting on the launch, Ranjit Paliath, vice-president, business operations, McDonald's India (west & south), said, “Eating out has always been extremely popular in Goa and we see a lot of potential in this rapidly evolving cosmopolitan market. At McDonald's, we always focus on providing quality, service, cleanliness and value (QSC&V) to our customers and our priority has always been customer service and convenience. We are proud to bring the McDonald's experience to customers in Goa. Our local market knowledge combined with our proven track record of operating arrival of McDonald's restaurants will allow us to offer an exceptional experience to Goan customers.”

“With the arrival of McDonald's in Goa, we are confident that we can continue to drive growth in the region by bringing customers a truly unique good food, fast experience. Our customers in the state of Goa have a strong appreciation for food and we believe we can create a unique destination between home and work where they can relax, enjoy share and discover McDonald's world famous signature burgers and fries with friends and family. We come with a promise to delight the culinary senses of the Goan locals and bring along the classic McDonald's menu that is high on quality, great in taste and value for money. We are confident that McDonald's in Goa will continue to live up to its reputation of being a family brand that provides customers a quick, tasty and affordable eating out option,” he added.

Currently, the Goa restaurant has a team of 20 to 25 employees who are locally hired and trained to manage operations. It aims to generate more employment and provide training to local residents at par with international standards, create opportunities for first time job seekers while also adding to the strength of 7,500 individuals that they have directly employed across business operations in west & south India.