Finding A Frozen Food Franchise Business In India

April 19, 2024

Freezing is a time-tested method to preserve food, extending its shelf life significantly. This allows fruits, vegetables, and other perishables to be enjoyed year-round, regardless of seasonality proving to be immensely convenient.

Contrary to a common misconception, frozen food can be just as nutritious as fresh. In fact, some frozen fruits and vegetables are picked at peak ripeness and flash-frozen, locking in vitamins and minerals that fresh produce might lose over time in transit or storage. Additionally, frozen food is often more affordable than fresh, particularly when considering out-of-season produce or processed options like frozen meals.

What is a Frozen Food Franchise Business?

A frozen food franchise business allows you to operate a store under an established brand that specializes in frozen food products. You'll benefit from the franchisor's brand recognition, proven business model, and ongoing support, including training, marketing assistance, and supply chain management.

Growth Prospects of Indian Frozen Food Market

The Indian food sector is witnessing a boom, and the frozen food segment is a hot contender within it. Busy lifestyles, growing disposable incomes, and the increasing popularity of convenience foods are fueling the demand for frozen meals. 

frozen food

Profitability of Investing in a Frozen Food Franchise

According to an IMARC report, the Indian frozen food market size reached INR 167.3 Billion in 2023 and is further expected to reach INR 561.6 Billion by 2032, showing us a growth rate(CAGR) OF 14% during 2024-2032.

This shows rising demand for convenient and ready-to-eat food products due to their longer shelf-life creating a favorable outlook for market growth.

Additionally, this is the right time to invest in a frozen food franchise as people are increasingly becoming aware of global food trends and are shifting towards Western eating habits given more and more international travel and exposure to global media.

Market Segmentation:

  • Product Categories: The Indian frozen food market offers a wide range of products, including:some text
    • Frozen vegetables and fruits
    • Ready-to-eat meals (Indian and international)
    • Frozen snacks (french fries, samosas, spring rolls)
    • Frozen meat, poultry, and seafood
    • Vegetarian and vegan options

Market Players:

The Indian frozen food industry is currently fragmented, with a mix of regional players, national brands, and some international players entering the market.

However, there's a trend towards consolidation, with larger players acquiring smaller ones to gain market share.

  • Key Players: Some of the major players in the Indian frozen food market include:some text
    • ITC (Bingo)
    • Hindustan Unilever (Knorr)
    • McCain Foods (French Fries)
    • Nestle (Maggi)
    • Venky's (Frozen Chicken)
    • Regional players like Vadilal and Dr. Bhujungrao Deshpande (DBD Group)

Step-by-Step Guide to Finding a Frozen Food Franchise

1. Researching the Frozen Food Market in India:

  • Market Reports & Trends: Start by researching the Indian frozen food market. Look for industry reports, articles, and data about market size, growth projections, segmentation, and key drivers. This will help you understand the overall potential and identify promising niches within the market.
  • Consumer Preferences: Research Indian consumer preferences for frozen food. What types of products are most popular? Are there any emerging trends or dietary needs being catered to? Understanding these preferences will help you choose a franchise that aligns with market demand.
frozen food stack at mall

2. Evaluating Different Frozen Food Franchise Opportunities:

  • Identify Franchise Options: Shortlist a few potential frozen food franchises in India. Consider factors like brand reputation, product range, target market, and geographical reach. Franchise portals and industry publications can be helpful resources for finding relevant franchises.
  • Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD): Request and thoroughly review the FDD for each shortlisted franchise. This document provides detailed information about the franchise agreement, fees, operational guidelines, and support offered by the franchisor.

For all the fresh and upcoming talent in the food industry, Kouzina(a next-generation cloud kitchen business) too provides a growing landscape. Their multi-brand approach coupled with the cost-effective cloud kitchen model has served them well in over 80 cities so far. Their key brands are WarmOven (cakes & desserts), KaatiZone (rolls & wraps), and Indiana Burgers.

Read more about food franchising at : Top 15 Most Profitable Food Franchise Opportunities in India

3. Understanding the Investment Requirements:

Franchise businesses typically require an initial investment covering franchise fees, royalty fees, security deposits, store setup costs, inventory, and marketing expenses. Carefully analyze the FDD to understand the total investment required.

Don't forget to factor in ongoing operational costs like rent, salaries, utilities, and marketing expenses.

4. Assessing Market Demand and Consumer Preferences:

  • Market Research: Conduct local market research to understand the demand for frozen food in your target area. Analyze competitor presence and consumer preferences in your specific location.
  • Site Selection: Choose a strategic location with high foot traffic and good visibility. Consider proximity to residential areas, workplaces, and complementary businesses like grocery stores.

5. Comparing Profitability and ROI of Various Franchises:

  • Financial Projections: Request financial projections from each shortlisted franchise. These projections should estimate potential revenue, expenses, and profitability for your specific location.
  • ROI Calculations: Calculate the Return on Investment (ROI) for each franchise option. Consider both the initial investment and potential profit margins.

Additional Tips: Connect with existing franchisees of the shortlisted brands to gain insights into their experiences, challenges, and level of support received from the franchisor.

Top Frozen Food Franchise Businesses in India

The Indian frozen food franchise market is booming, and there are several established franchise businesses offering exciting opportunities for entrepreneurs. These franchises offer a variety of frozen food products, catering to different dietary needs and preferences.

frozen meat

Kaysons

Kaysons provides its franchisees with a successful and niche opportunity while providing full support and training in terms of preparing and storing the food. Kaysons offers a wide range of frozen veg and non-veg snacks, ready-to-eat meals, parathas, biryanis, and desserts and has become a popular choice among customers. Hence their investment amount can vary depending on the location and store size, however, we can provide you a typical range that starts from 25 lakhs and goes up to 1 crore for their franchisee.

Aiming for a lower investment range, head over to our article on Franchise Business Opportunites Under 20 Lakhs in India to learn more.

Giggs Meat

Giggs Meat is another successful frozen food franchise that focuses on frozen meat products, including chicken, mutton, seafood, and processed meats like sausages and kebabs.

Their company is situated in New Delhi and boasts of having a strong team of experts in the meat retail industry. Their total investment cost ranges from about 5 to 10 lakhs with a franchisee fee of 1 to 2 lakhs.

frozen food shop

Venky's Chicken Xperience

Venky's Chicken Xperience is a franchise venture by Venky’s which is a well-known Indian poultry brand that offers a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking to enter the frozen chicken segment. Venky's Chicken Xperience specializes in frozen chicken products, including whole chicken, boneless chicken pieces, marinated chicken, and ready-to-cook chicken dishes.

Being a well-known brand, a franchisee with them will definitely benefit you as it would mean increased brand recognition since the start along with strong marketing, operational, and training support that a Venky’s owner is sure to provide.

Goeld

Goeld stands out in the frozen food franchise landscape by specializing in vegetarian frozen snacks. This focus caters to the growing demand for meatless options in India, making it a potentially attractive franchise opportunity.

Goeld offers a variety of delicious and convenient vegetarian frozen snacks, including Samosas, Spring Rolls, and ready-to-fry or bake vegetable patties for burgers, wraps, or as a side dish.

Meatwale

Meatwale is a prominent player in the Indian frozen food market, specializing in frozen meat, poultry, and seafood products. It boasts a well-established presence, particularly in South and West India. This established network suggests brand recognition and a potentially strong customer base in these regions.

  • Product Range: They offer a variety of frozen meat options, likely including:some text
    • Chicken: Whole chickens, boneless and bone-in cuts, marinated options.
    • Mutton: Whole cuts, chops, and marinated varieties.
    • Seafood: Fish fillets, prawns, and potentially other options depending on regional availability.

The investment cost to start a franchisee with them falls on the higher end with investments starting from INR 25 Lakhs to INR 5 Crore depending on the the area or state in which you are operating.

Godrej Yummiez

Godrej Yummiez offers a tempting proposition for entrepreneurs seeking a frozen food franchise opportunity in India. They cater to a wide range of taste buds with a diverse product selection and a brand name synonymous with quality. They offer a wide range of frozen vegetarian and non-vegetarian snacks such as samosas, chicken nuggets, kebabs, ready-to-eat meals(curries, biryanis), and desserts.

Amul: Introduction to Amul Happy Treats 

Amul, a household name in India synonymous with dairy products has also ventured into the frozen food market with Amul Happy Treats. Amul Happy Treats offers a range of tempting frozen snacks and treats, potentially including crispy potato patties, french fries, hash browns, potato wedges, and veggie stix.

Amul's reputation for quality and hygiene precedes it. Consumers are likely to be more receptive to trying frozen snacks under the Amul brand, potentially leading to higher customer footfall at your franchise outlet.

Marketing Advantage: The established brand name can save you significant marketing and advertising costs compared to starting a new frozen snack brand. Consumers are already familiar with and likely to trust the Amul name.

Benefits of Owning a Frozen Food Franchise

Market Growth Driven by Cultural Shifts and Urbanization: 

Busy lifestyles and changing demographics are driving the demand for convenient food options. Frozen food franchises capitalize on this trend, offering ready-to-eat meals and snacks that cater to time-pressed consumers.

Stability in Year-Round Income: 

Unlike fresh produce, frozen food has a longer shelf life, offering more stability in your income stream. You're less likely to experience significant fluctuations in sales due to seasonal variations.

Long Shelf Life and Reduced Waste:  

Frozen food minimizes spoilage and waste compared to fresh food. This translates to lower operational costs and reduces your environmental footprint.

Access to Established Brand Names and Customer Bases:  

Franchises benefit from the brand recognition and existing customer base of franchisors such as Kaysons, Venky’s and Meatwale. This can significantly reduce marketing costs and help you attract customers from day one.

High-Profit Margin Potential:  

Frozen food often has a higher profit margin compared to fresh food due to factors like longer shelf life and potentially lower wastage. This can lead to increased profitability for your franchise business.

FAQs on Frozen Food Franchise Business

Profitability of frozen food franchises

The profitability of a frozen food franchise can vary depending on several factors, including:

  • Franchise Brand and Reputation: Established brands with strong customer loyalty tend to be more profitable.
  • Location: High foot traffic areas and areas with demographics that favor frozen food consumption can lead to higher profits.
  • Management Expertise: Effective store management practices significantly impact profitability.
  • Operational Efficiency: Minimizing waste and controlling costs are crucial for maximizing profits.

However recent trends have shown us that this might be the right time to invest in this business as the market demand for frozen foods is only going to increase in the future.

Risks in the frozen and packaged food franchise sector

The frozen food market is becoming increasingly competitive. It's essential to choose a franchise with a strong competitive edge. Consumer preferences for health and sustainability can shift quickly. Choose a franchise that adapts its product offerings to stay relevant. Furthermore, As a franchisee, your success is tied to the franchisor's brand image and business strategies. Choose a franchisor with a proven track record.

Understanding the average profit margin

Average profit margins for frozen food franchises can vary from 15% to 30%, depending on the factors mentioned above. It's crucial to request financial projections from the franchisor to get a more specific estimate for their franchise opportunity.

Choosing the right franchise for your market

Compare different franchises in terms of brand reputation, product offerings, investment costs, and support provided. Talk to existing franchisees of the brands you're considering to get insights into their experiences. Always choose a franchise with products that cater to your target demographic.

By carefully considering these factors, you can increase your chances of choosing a profitable and successful frozen food franchise opportunity.

Conclusion

The Indian frozen food market is brimming with potential for entrepreneurs seeking a foothold in this rapidly growing industry.  While franchises offer established brand recognition, operational support, and wider customer reach, careful consideration is necessary.

By utilizing resources like the Franchise Disclosure Document, financial projections, and local market research, you can make an informed decision about entering the frozen food franchise sector and select the opportunity that best aligns with your entrepreneurial vision and propels you toward success.

Franchisee business excites you, but you're still not sure how to start? Kouzina brings to you the perfect opportunity to realize your food industry dreams and become a success!

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