Curefoods, a cloud kitchen company located in Bengaluru, has taken the exclusive rights to franchise Krispy Kreme throughout India in a daring move that highlights the expanding convergence of Indian foodtech companies and international food brands. With 11 locations in the Delhi-NCR area, this acquisition not only marks Curefoods’ official entry into North India but also gives them ownership over more than 50 current Krispy Kreme stores.
This is not only an expansion; rather, it is a determined strategic move that has the potential to change the way that high-end desserts are consumed nationwide.
Credits: Ascendants
From Landmark to Curefoods: The Deal at a Glance
Curefoods is taking over Krispy Kreme’s India franchise from the Landmark Group, the Dubai-based retail conglomerate that had previously operated the brand. While the financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, it’s known that the acquisition includes both cash and equity components.
Interestingly, this isn’t a one-way street. Landmark Hospitality Services, a unit of the Landmark Group, has also turned investor, participating in Curefoods’ latest $40 million funding round. This mutual arrangement highlights the confidence Landmark has in Curefoods’ ability to grow the Krispy Kreme brand in India.
The acquisition instantly gives Curefoods a nationwide footprint in the premium desserts segment—something it hadn’t aggressively tapped into until now.
Scaling Up: The Future of Krispy Kreme in India
Curefoods isn’t stopping at inheriting 50+ stores. The company has ambitious expansion plans for Krispy Kreme, aiming to significantly increase the brand’s accessibility and presence across India.
- By 2025, Curefoods plans to:
- Open 25 new standalone Krispy Kreme dine-in restaurants
- Launch 100 additional cloud kitchens offering Krispy Kreme donuts
This dual-format strategy blends traditional brick-and-mortar dining with digital-first delivery, aligning with India’s changing consumer behavior, where customers are seeking premium experiences both in-store and online.
With a strong presence on food delivery platforms like Swiggy and Zomato, the company plans to bring Krispy Kreme donuts to homes in record time, from metros to emerging cities.
Why Krispy Kreme, Why Now?
The acquisition of Krispy Kreme is a strategic and symbolic move for Curefoods, which is well-known for overseeing rapidly expanding businesses like EatFit and Yumlane. It enables the business to reach the premium indulgence market, which is expanding in India, particularly among Gen Z and urban millennials.
Ankit Nagori, the founder and CEO and a former executive of Flipkart, views this purchase as a significant turning point. According to him, Krispy Kreme’s distinctive product line and Curefoods’ operational prowess might propel its sales in India to surpass ₹100 crore by 2025.
Through the incorporation of Krispy Kreme into its technologically advanced supply chain and network of more than 300 cloud kitchens, Curefoods hopes to not only grow but also do so in a sustainable and profitable manner.
Implications for India’s F&B Sector
The Indian food and beverage market is undergoing rapid transformation, and Curefoods’ acquisition is a telling sign of where it’s headed. As global brands like Starbucks, Popeyes, Tim Hortons, and now Krispy Kreme, seek deeper penetration, homegrown tech-driven players like Curefoods are becoming their launchpads.
This model of combining international appeal with Indian execution has proven successful in recent years. With Krispy Kreme’s strong global brand recall, and Curefoods’ operational agility, the two are set to create a potent recipe for success.
Moreover, cloud kitchens are expected to grow at a CAGR of over 20% in the coming years, and Curefoods is positioning itself as a leader in this space—not just for local cuisine, but now also for premium international offerings.
Credits: Indian Startup News
Conclusion: A Donut-Fueled Future
Curefoods’ acquisition of Krispy Kreme’s Indian operations marks a major step in its journey to become a dominant force in India’s F&B landscape. By fusing global quality with local efficiency, the company is tapping into India’s sweet tooth—and its love for convenience.
As more Krispy Kreme outlets appear across the country and cloud kitchens gear up for delivery, one thing is clear: India’s dessert scene just got a lot more delicious.
