Franchise Reviews
CEO Round table Conference held in conjunction with
India’s first Food franchising platform on 27th- 28th March, 2009 at Tivoli Garden Resort, New Delhi
In continuation of deriving value and dissemination of franchising knowledge, A CEO Round table conference was conducted under the aegis of
Indian Franchise Association at 4 p. m. on 27th March 09 at Tivoli Garden Resorts, New Delh
It was aimed at enlightening budding franchisors, franchisees, entrepreneurs and the franchise fraternity of the business opportunities in the food franchising industry and its scope in the Indian market. Col. (Retd.) Upendra Sachdev, Executive Director, Indian Franchise Association presided over the conference by introducing all the panelists and inviting them at the round table.
Stalwarts from the food industry at the Round Table included Mr. Sameer Kuckreja, CEO & Managing Director, Nirulas, Mr. Nagendra Prakash Bhargava, Chairman, The Midland Fruit & Vegetable Products India Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Jayant Kochar, Managing Director, Go Fish Retail Solutions & Mr. Arun Bakshi, Consultant & Advisor, and convener of the Round table Conference.
The roundtable conference had the privilege to have representatives from FICCI for their presence and support –Mr. Sanjay Khajuria, President CIFTI and Vice President-Nestle and Mr. Dhiraj Gyani, Sr. Assistant Director, Food Processing / CIFTI, FMCG Retail & FYLF.
Mr. Sanjay Khajuria unveiled India’s first exclusive Food Franchising Report, along with Ms. Ritu Marya, Executive Editor, Franchise India holdings Ltd.
The conference shaped into a dynamic interactive session between delegates and the panel of experts. The discussion centered around growth prospects in Food Franchising, understanding financial aspects, techniques of recruitment of franchisees and knowing how to acquire a foreign food and beverage franchise in India
Amongst the speakers; Nirula’s Managing Director; Mr. Sameer Kuckreja shared his brand’s business plans of opening 25-30 new outlets across the country during the next fiscal year. The outlets would be in their existing formats, including express, kiosk, highway and standalone entities.
Besides sharing expertise and insights into the industry, the Panelists participated enthusiastically in a Q& A session touching upon issues like challenges in franchising business, Real Estate-Malls Vs High Street, franchise formats; viz; fine dine, fast food etc. During the discussion the participants were unanimous on the point that current downturn is a temporary phenomenon and the Food & Beverage industry will eventually bounce back - in a much bigger way! The discussion got at its peak with panelists delving about technology, equipment and food safety in order to run the franchise business successfully. Spiraling rentals, high raw material costs and a plethora of taxes render restaurant and hotel business challenging. They deliberated upon difficulties one could face and solutions thereon while running a franchise business; for example legal documentation, supply chain, standardized menu, innovation and training not just limited to front staff but also at the back end.
There is a need to educate people to relate to the brand and be passionate about it. The keyword: Entrepreneurs. Not mere Investors.
Towards the end of the session, panelists obliged the delegates by having a one on one interaction and opined that it is the product the customer should be able to relate with.
The forum, an eye-opener for the new players as well as the veterans, did seem to send many participants wiser.
We would caution prospective investors in franchising once again; be well informed, evaluate the right opportunities and negotiate with due diligence.
Make an informed decision.
For any queries and concerns, please contact Colonel (Retd) Upendra Sachdev, Executive Director, Indian Franchise Association at upendras@franchiseindia.org
