Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd has decided not to renew its franchise agreement for the Dunkin' brand in India and will begin a phased closure or restructuring of its existing Dunkin' operations, the company said in a regulatory filing.
The Multiple Unit Development Franchise Agreement (MUDFA), signed on February 24, 2011, between Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd (JFL) and Dunkin', is set to expire on December 31, 2026. The company's board has approved the non-renewal of development rights granted under the agreement upon completion of the current term.
"The board has decided for non-renewal of the development rights granted in MUDFA... upon expiry of its current development term," JFL said in the filing.
The company said it will undertake actions in a phased manner regarding its existing Dunkin' operations. These may include rationalisation or cessation of certain stores, sale or transfer of assets, or assignment of franchise rights, in consultation with the Dunkin' brand owners.
JFL added that all steps will be taken in accordance with the terms of the agreement, applicable laws, regulatory requirements, and contractual obligations.
Jubilant FoodWorks entered the Dunkin' India business through the MUDFA in 2011, which granted it rights to develop and operate the brand in the country. The agreement formed part of the company's broader strategy to expand its presence beyond its core pizza business.
The Dunkin' brand operates globally as a coffee and doughnut chain. In India, it has been positioned within the quick service restaurant (QSR) segment, where competition includes domestic and international coffee and food chains.
Jubilant FoodWorks operates a network of more than 3,500 stores across six markets, India, Turkey, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan and Georgia, according to the company.
Its portfolio includes global brands such as Domino's and Popeyes, along with company-owned brands including Hong's Kitchen and COFFY, which operates in Turkey.
The company said the process of restructuring Dunkin' operations will be gradual and subject to consultation with the brand owner.
The filing did not specify timelines for store closures or asset transfers beyond stating that actions will be carried out in a phased manner aligned with contractual and regulatory requirements.
