NZ Natural plans 100 ice cream outlets by 2009

Global ice cream parlour chain New Zealand Natural plans to open 100 outlets by 2009 across India as it aims to take on international brand like Baskin and Robbins.

The Sydney-based firm, which has tied up with Manju Enterprises, is focusing on metros and mini-metros with a product offering that includes fat free ice cream, frozen yogurt, soft serve, smoothies to shakes and juices in over 73 flavours at a price range of Rs 40-150.

"We plan to open 100 outlets by 2009 of varying modules in metro cities and the B grade cities, of these 35 are likely to come up by this year end," Manju Enterprises Director Himanshu

Maheshwari told PTI.

On the investment front, he said, it would be made by the franchisees.

Starting April, the company has opened outlets in Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur, while one each in Pune and Hyderabad are likely to come up later this month.

While the majority of the outlets are through other franchisees, six would be owned by its master franchisee -- Manju Enterprises. Taking an aggressive strategy, New Zealand Natural is offering its franchisees a margin of 50 per cent.

It has three formats with entry level smaller outlet (Express Counter), slightly bigger 'Parlour Module' and a large 'Lounge Module'.