After Dunkin Donuts debut, Krispy Kreme to open 80 outlets in India

American doughnut company Krispy Kreme has reached a deal with Landmark Group’s Citymax Hotels for the development of 80 Krispy Kreme franchise stores over the next five years in India just a month after rival Dunkin Donuts opened its first store in New Delhi.

Financial terms were not disclosed. The stores will be located across the south and west regions of India, the Winston-Salem, NC-based company said.

Citymax Hotels is part of Dubai-based Landmark Group, one of the largest retailers in India and the Middle East. It operates food and beverage businesses, along with entertainment centers. It operates department stores Lifestyle and Max in India.

[caption id=“attachment_344968” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“The NYSE-listed Krispy Kreme has been looking to expand into emerging markets.”] [/caption]

“We believe that [Citymax Hotels’] unique and sound understanding of the Indian consumer, combined with their years of successful business experience across a variety of retail concepts, is a strong asset for them as they establish the Krispy Kreme brand in the south and west regions of India,” Jeff Welch, a senior vice president and president of international at Krispy Kreme, said in a statement.

Krispy Kreme donuts are currently sold in more than 690 stores in 21 countries.

Last month, the company announced plans to open 35 of its stores in India over the next five years under a development deal with Bedrock Food Co. Those stores will open in various locations, including Delhi, Jaipur and Lucknow, the company said.