A leading coffee and sandwich chain in the United Kingdom, Pret A Manger has opened its first store in Mumbai, marking its leap into the Indian market through a franchise deal with Reliance Brands Limited (RBL).
The restaurant has described the store opening as a landmark moment. Pret A Manger has emerged as the latest high-profile Western brand to enter the Indian market. It plans to open 10 stores in the first year of the partnership, and 100 outlets across India within five years. Pret A Manger said the Maker Maxity store resembles Pret’s iconic London shops and features a similar menu to its UK outlets. But the Pret A Manger logo has been tweaked with traditional Warli patterns.
Pano Christou, CEO of Pret A Manger, said they have been working closely with the RBL team to create an offer for Indian consumers that reflects the Pret brand. It also adapts to local preferences and food habits. He believes people will recognize some of their freshly prepared lunch-time classics, delicious croissants and 100% organic Arabica coffee.
The UK-based coffee and food-to-go chain said India has been their goal for a very long time. “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, which is a subsidiary of Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Group, the Pret brand will be a hit with consumers in India and a welcome addition to the country’s growing food-to-go market.”
