According to reports from The Economic Times and Storyboard18, Graviss Group is in talks to acquire the India franchise rights for coffee-and-doughnut chain Dunkin' from its global parent, Inspire Brands. The discussions are currently underway, with industry insiders pointing to strong operational synergies between Baskin Robbins' ice cream business and Dunkin's coffee-and-doughnut format. As reported by The Economic Times, one industry source stated that there are obvious retail, supply and backend synergies between Baskin Robbins ice-cream and Dunkin' Donuts. Neither Graviss Group nor Inspire Brands has officially commented on the reported discussions.
If the deal materializes, Graviss Group is expected to significantly rework Dunkin's India strategy, as reported by The Economic Times. A second industry source indicated that the Graviss Group management is expected to revamp the entire Dunkin' business since the concept of donuts-and-coffee by itself has not worked out in India. The revamp could include more Indianised desserts, sugar-free options, and a larger menu to better resonate with Indian consumers. As reported by The Economic Times, big changes are brewing for Dunkin' in India, with plans for more local desserts, sugar-free treats, and a bigger menu under the new partnership.
According to The Economic Times, Jubilant FoodWorks, which operated Dunkin' in India for over a decade, will officially end its 15-year franchise agreement with Dunkin' on December 31, following years of mounting losses. Jubilant, which also operates Domino's Pizza and Popeyes in India, had informed stock exchanges in March that ending its Dunkin' partnership would have no material financial or operational impact on the company. By the end of FY25, Dunkin' had just 27 operational stores in India, contributing only 0.61% of Jubilant's revenue, while the business posted losses of nearly ₹19.1 crore. Despite the struggles, Dunkin' plans to stick around with a fresh partner under Graviss Group's management.
According to The Economic Times, Graviss Group is expected to significantly rework Dunkin's India strategy if negotiations culminate in a deal. Graviss Group operates Baskin Robbins in India and has interests in hospitality, real estate and food businesses. The group also owns the InterContinental Marine Drive hotel in Mumbai, Mayfair Banquets and low-calorie ice cream brand The Brooklyn Creamery. As noted by The Economic Times, Graviss Foods reported revenue of ₹354 crore in FY25, with the group running over 800 outlets across India in their food business. Graviss Group has operated Baskin Robbins in India since 1993 and took full ownership of the brand's SAARC operations in 2007, today managing more than 800 Baskin Robbins parlours across over 230 cities.
According to The Economic Times and Storyboard18, Dunkin' entered India in 2012 under Jubilant FoodWorks and had expanded to more than 70 outlets within four years. However, the chain struggled to replicate its international success as the standalone doughnut-and-coffee format failed to resonate with Indian consumers. Over time, Jubilant shut several outlets and converted many larger stores into smaller kiosks and takeaway formats. The brand's current struggles with just 27 stores and minimal revenue contribution highlight the challenges of the traditional format in the Indian market. For Dunkin', the proposed franchise change would mark another attempt to strengthen its India business after years of underperformance.
