Burger King takes its first bite into India with joint venture
BURGER King’s Whopper burgers will be available in India for the first time, after it yesterday announced plans to open its fast food chain in the world’s second most populous country.
It will partner with private equity firm Everstone, which specialises in India and South East Asia, to set up a supply chain and establish restaurants across the country.
It did not say how many restaurants it intended to open.
“India is a market with huge potential for Burger King restaurants…I am very excited about this venture,” said Elias Diaz Sese, president, Burger King Asia Pacific.
Burger King said it would give its menu a “local twist” to ensure its appeal to the Indian market.
The fast food chain has been seeking to ramp up its growth since it went public again last year. Since relisting on the New York Stock Exchange, it has overhauled its menu and sought to broaden its appeal beyond its core young male customer base.
Rival McDonald’s has been in India since 1996.