Latest news with #UnifyFoodworks
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Unify Foodworks to invest Rs 40 crore to open 100 outlets of American soft serve brand Carvel
Carvel , one of America's legacy brands known for soft serve, has tied up with Unify Foodworks to enter the Indian market in August with its first store opening in New Delhi, Sumer Sethi, founder, Unify Foodworks told ETRetail. Unify Foodworks, which holds exclusive master franchise rights for Carvel in India, plans to launch 100 stores over the next 5 years with an investment of Rs 40 crore. "We are eying to capture 7-8 per cent market share of soft serve ice creams over the next 5 years," he asserted. "In my experience, what works in India is when a brand owns a category. It's very difficult to dislodge that kind of loyal consumer recall. That's why we decided to bring a soft serve brand to India. Carvel has its patented recipe that can produce the freshest form of ice cream in-store," he further explained. The brand, which plans to open 50 stores in phase 1 concentrated in and around North India, will be offering 32 SKUs. "The average size of the store will span across 300 and all the offerings have been competitively priced as we are targeting the masses," he stated. The brand is expecting stores to reach the breakeven point in the 18-24 months of operation. "From our second year of operations, we plan to enter online as well," he said. The brand is eyeing to open 5 stores by this fiscal year's end. Currently, Carvel has a presence in over five countries with more than 400 stores. Going ahead, Unify Foodworks also plans to introduce Rubio's Coastal Grill in India by this fiscal year's end. It will be renamed as Moe's Casa Mexicana.
India Today
10-07-2025
- Business
- India Today
Is India's next big lifestyle shift brewing in dessert and coffee space? Details inside
India's urban centres are witnessing a quiet but distinct shift in how people consume desserts and coffee. What once revolved around sugary milkshakes and instant coffee has evolved into a curated experience with pour-over brews, cold brews, French pastries, matcha cakes, gluten-free brownies, and everything in evolution isn't just about taste, it's a reflection of changing lifestyles, aspirations, and priorities among India's growing middle class and Gen Z spoke with Vidur Mayor, Founder & CEO, FES Cafe and Sumer Sethi, founder of Unify Foodworks to get more insights on the THAN JUST A CAFFEINE KICK Coffee is no longer merely a wake-up ritual. It's a cultural statement. With global chains expanding andc indie roasteries mushrooming across metros, Indian consumers are embracing coffee as a daily indulgence, a professional companion, and even a health brews, nitro coffee, and plant-based milk options like oat and almond are now commonplace on menus. The trend has gained particular momentum in cities like Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, and Gurugram, where cafe-hopping is now a GETS A MAKEOVERSimultaneously, the dessert space is undergoing a the other end of the spectrum, nostalgia and comfort have sparked renewed love for Indian sweets served with modern twists.A swirl of creamy delight in every bite, just like Carvel. Made with care, served with a smile, and always finished with that signature swirl, it's the simple joy that never goes out of and cloud kitchens are experimenting with fusion offerings like tiramisu with filter coffee, gulab jamun cheesecakes, or saffron-infused panna OF EXPERIENCE FIRST SPACESCafes and dessert bars are increasingly being designed as Instagrammable experiences. Interiors, music, and even the plating of desserts are crafted for social aesthetic appeal is drawing a younger audience who view cafes as workspaces, date spots, or mini-social result: lifestyle-led consumption. People aren't just buying a coffee, they're buying a moment, a mood, a BY TRENDS, DRIVEN BY DATAAccording to recent food and beverage market insights, India's cafe market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 9 per cent through 2028. Premium coffee consumption is rising, especially in Tier-1 and Tier-2 demand for healthier, premium, and artisanal desserts is steadily growing, driven by millennials and Gen Z, who seek a balance between indulgence and NEXT?The fusion of wellness and indulgence, authenticity and aesthetics, is likely to define the next phase of India's cafe and dessert culture. With rising disposable incomes, better exposure to global trends, and a growing appetite for self-care-driven consumption, the space is primed for it's adaptogenic lattes, mushroom coffee, or millet-based cakes, India's next big lifestyle shift might just be brewing in a cup or plated on a marble counter.- Ends
NDTV
07-07-2025
- Business
- NDTV
US Soft Serve Chain Carvel Launches First Store In New Delhi
Carvel, the original soft serve ice cream brand founded in the United States in 1934, is entering the Indian market with its first store opening in New Delhi this August. This marks the brand's first foray into India since its launch over 90 years ago. Carvel is known in the US for its range of soft serves and ice cream cakes. The brand's entry into India comes at a time when the dessert category is expanding, with growing interest in international food formats and everyday snacking options. The India operations are being handled by Unify Foodworks, which holds the master franchise rights for the brand in the region. The company has announced plans to open 100 outlets across key Indian cities over the next few years. The India menu will include products from Carvel's existing US portfolio, such as Flying Saucers and soft serve flavours including vanilla, chocolate, pistachio, hazelnut and coffee. The brand intends to position itself within the segment of affordable and frequent dessert choices. The flagship outlet in New Delhi has been designed to reflect the original brand identity while aligning with local preferences. The store aims to serve as a pilot for potential expansion in other metro cities. Sumer Sethi, Founder of Unify Foodworks, said, 'Carvel has always stood for joy, celebration and togetherness, all values that transcend borders and resonate across generations. We believe that everyone, regardless of age or background, deserves to indulge in moments of delight. As we enter the Indian market, our aim is to create warm, welcoming spaces where families, students and professionals alike can pause, connect and savour something special. While Carvel's nine-decade legacy lends its heritage and trust, it is the brand's simplicity and heart that make it universally loved. We are excited to bring this experience to India and become a part of everyday celebrations across the country.' Carvel joins a growing list of international dessert brands setting up shop in India, as global players tap into the country's urban consumption markets and rising demand for quick-service formats.
The Hindu
03-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Carvel ice creams, the creator of the soft serve, launches in India
Carvel, America's iconic ice cream franchise, is opening its doors in India this August. Carvel was founded in 1934 by Tom Carvel and has a 91-year legacy behind it. The brand is the creator of soft serve ice creams. Starting with a store in South Delhi this August, they plan to expand to 100 stores across the country over the next few years. The Indian expansion is led by Unify Foodworks. How the soft serve was invented The story goes that Tom Carvel, a Greek-born American, was selling ice creams from a truck in the state of New York in 1934. When his truck had a flat tyre, he started quickly selling the ice cream before it melted. It turned out to be a huge hit. This gave him the idea that soft desserts, as opposed to frozen ice cream, could also be a business idea. Some other brands also claim to have invented the soft serve, but Carvel created a special recipe and also patented soft serve ice cream machines. It became one of the first fast food restaurants in the US, much before the likes of McDonald's and Burger King. Since then, the brand is known for pioneering ice creams. Their popular ice cream cakes feature special characters created around holidays, such as Cookie Puss, Fudgie the Whale and Hug-Me the Bear. India chapter 'India is a promising new market for Carvel. We see strong alignment between Carvel's legacy of quality and flavour, and the evolving tastes of Indian consumers,' says Steven Yang, Senior Vice President, APAC at GoTo Foods International (the parent company of Carvel). 'Our work with Unify Foodworks gives us the local insight and operational strength needed to grow with intention and impact.' Unify Foods is a company that began in 2024 with the aim of bringing international QSR chains to India. The first store will open in Delhi. 'We are not disclosing the location as of now,' says Sumer Sethi, founder of Unify Foods. 'But it will be located in south Delhi.' He shares that at Carvel will be using fresh milk and cream at the store in developing the ice cream, something other soft serve brands in India do not do. All the signature offerings from the US, such as the Flying Saucer ice cream sandwich, will be available in India. 'We are localising many of the flavours for India. We will have kunafa, tapioca toppings and Rooh Afza syrups.' The soft serves will be priced for ₹79. The plan is to start with North India in the first one-and-a-half years. They are eyeing Bengaluru and other south Indian cities in year three.
