Jubilant FoodWorks in Talks to Sell Dunkin' India Franchise Rights to Inspire Brands

New Delhi: Jubilant FoodWorks (JFL) is in discussions with the $32.6 billion US-based global restaurant group Inspire Brands to sell India rights of Dunkin', ahead of the formal termination of its India franchise deal with the doughnut-and-coffee chain in December, said people aware of the development.

"Inspire Brands and Jubilant FoodWorks are in discussions for the sale and transfer of the India franchise rights," said one of the persons, who did not wish to be identified. Inspire Brands had acquired the US-based Dunkin' in 2020. Jubilant FoodWorks, however, had acquired Dunkin's franchise rights in India directly from its then owner Dunkin' Donuts 15 years ago.

Once the deal materialises, Inspire Brands plans to sell the India franchise rights to another potential local franchise partner. A Dunkin' global spokesperson said in response to ET's emailed query, "We look forward to continuing (in India) and expanding with a new franchise group." The spokesperson added, "Dunkin' remains committed to being in India and views it as a vital part of its long-term international growth."

Inspire Brands already has a presence in India through Graviss Group, which operates the Baskin Robbins chain of ice-creams and cakes. JFL, India's largest food services chain, which also operates global brands Domino's Pizza and fried chicken brand Popeyes in the country, had said in a stock exchange filing on March 30 that it will exit its India franchise deal with Dunkin' after its pact ends on December 31 and "will evaluate options for sale and transfer of franchise rights in consultation with Dunkin".

A JFL representative said in response to ET's emailed query that it had no details to share at this stage beyond its previous announcement made on March 30. Dunkin', with its pure-play westernised breakfast and snack format of doughnuts along with coffee, has not been able to expand in India. JFL's decision not to renew the agreement with Dunkin' to develop and operate stores in the country will end the 15-year franchise deal amid recurring losses and weak growth of doughnut chain.

"We did consider buying the India franchise rights for Dunkin' initially, but did not pursue any discussions since the concept isn't workable in India," a senior executive at a large food services chain said on condition of anonymity.

As of December 2025, JFL had only 27 Dunkin' stores in India, and shut down seven stores over the past year, JFL said in an investor presentation for the quarter to December 2025. Dunkin' has remained a marginal operation for the company, contributing just 0.61% to JFL's revenue in 2024-25, when the business incurred a loss of nearly ₹19.1 crore.