“Frozen yogurt is the next big thing in India”

Frozen yogurt market is fast growing in India and has a huge potential. Foreign brand Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt is taking giant steps in this direction to expand its operations in the country. Abhay Sharma, Director, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, India, shares more about it.

Why did you decide to enter into frozen yogurt segment and got associated with Menchie's?

Back in 2012, while I was in Canada, I wanted to bring something back to my motherland which was new and at the same time would appeal to the Indian palate. Menchie’s is the fastest growing brand in the North American continent with its amazing self-serve concept and unique flavours. Thus, I decided to bring this brand to India.

How do you see frozen yogurt market in India?

I believe eventually the frozen yogurt segment is going to start eating into the ice-cream segment as people want to eat healthier. There is a reason why fitness equipments and gyms have all their numbers in positive. It is all about being healthier and this is where the frozen yogurt market has a huge potential.

Yogurt is not very familiar across India, so what all are you doing to woo customers and entrepreneurs?

Creating awareness takes time. Some of our competitors have helped not just us but the future frozen yogurt brands by creating awareness. We are focusing on the probiotics and how it helps improve immune system, digestion and so on. The best part about being in this generation is social media and we are using it to spread awareness on why one should buy or invest into yogurt segment.

What kind of response have you got in India?

The response has been overwhelming. People love the self-serve concept where you make your own cup and pay in ratio to how hungry you are.

What are your expansion plans?

We plan to open to 25 open stores by the end of 2017. We operate both company-owned and franchise stores.

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