The UK-based coffee and food-to-go chain said its first outlet in India, opened via franchisee Reliance Brands Limited, represents a ‘landmark moment’ in its international expansion plans
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Pret A Manger said its Mumbai store is ‘the first of many’ set to open before the end of the year | Photo credit: Pret A Manger
Pret A Manger has opened its first store in India at the Maker Maxity mixed use development in Mumbai.
The UK-based coffee and food-to-go chain announced a franchise agreement with Indian retail conglomerate Reliance Brands Limited in June 2022 and said it would open 10 stores in the first year of the partnership, ahead of 100 outlets across India within five years.
Pret A Manger said its Mumbai store is ‘the first of many’ set to open before the end of the year. It had previously cited major Indian cities and high-footfall travel hubs as the focal points of its expansion plans in India.
In a press release, the coffee and food-to-go chain said the Maker Maxity store resembles Pret’s ‘iconic London shops’ and features a similar menu to its UK outlets. However, in a nod to Mumbai, the Pret A Manger logo has been adapted with traditional Warli patterns.
“We have been working closely with the RBL team to create an offer for Indian consumers that reflects the Pret brand, while also adapting to local preferences and food habits. People will recognise some of our freshly prepared lunch-time classics, our delicious croissants and 100% organic Arabica coffee. Coming to India has been a goal of ours for a long time and the opening of our first shop in Mumbai is a landmark moment in our international expansion plans. We’re confident that with the support of RBL, the Pret brand will be a hit with consumers in India and a welcome addition to the country’s growing food-to-go market,” said Pano Christou CEO, Pret A Manger.
Pret A Manger’s market entry comes amid a period of growth for international coffee chains in India. Starbucks and Costa Coffee have both reported strong sales in the country this year, with the brands reaching their 300- and 100-store milestones in October and December 2022 respectively.
Meanwhile, Tim Hortons debuted in India in August 2022 and now operates 12 stores across the country. The Canadian coffee chain plans to reach 120 stores across India by 2026.