Where all is Taco Bell in India?

Question

Anywhere

Bangalore, Bombay, Delhi, Chennai???

Answer 1

US-based $24-bn Yum! Restaurants International, owners of the KFC and Pizza Hut brands, is exploring the possibility of bringing its famous Taco Bell chain of restaurants to India. Worldwide, the company sells a whole range of Mexican fast food under the Taco Bell brand banner.

”We’re evaluating the possibility of introducing the Taco Bell brand in India. It may take about 18 months to take a decision and roll out the brand nationally,” Yum!

Restaurants’ director, business development (Indian subcontinent) Ajay Bansal told reporters.

“Taco Bell, which specialises in Mexican fast foods, is the third largest brand for Yum! International. It manages 6,500 Taco Bell restaurants across the globe. While the company has 35,000 restaurants in all, Taco Bell contributes roughly 20% to the global turnover while Pizza Hut provides another 33%,” Mr Bansal said.

“In India, Yum! Restaurants along with its franchisees have clocked a turnover of about Rs 270 crore in ’06-07. These include turnover from Pizza Huts at Rs 200 crore and the balance Rs 70 crore from KFC chains,” said Mr Bansal.

“Currently there are 130 Pizza Huts and 20 KFC restaurants in India. By the end of ’08, we plan to add another 60-70 KFC restaurants, through both the company and franchisee route. In the next three years, the total number of KFC outlets will touch 100,” Mr Bansal said.

He said the company also plans to consolidate its presence in its present 11-city footprint before spreading further. Yum! International will open new stores in Hyderabad, Delhi, Bangalore, Agra and Mumbai.

Answer 2

At present, Taco Bell is conducting a consumer research study to understand the Indian market and the customer palate. Earlier this month, the Mexican QSR (quick serve restaurant) chain called for a pitch, and Ogilvy and JWT were asked to make presentations. JWT has already been entrusted with Taco Bell’s launch duties. The development was confirmed to agencyfaqs! by Ashok Bajpai, general manager, Indian subcontinent, Taco Bell.

Bajpai says, “It may take a few more months to roll out the Taco Bell brand in India. The decision has already been taken and right now we are trying to get a hold on understanding the Indian consumer’s tastes. Taco Bell being the second largest QSR format, next only to McDonald’s, we expect to leverage its brand equity immensely. We have the right combination of tastes and the ability to offer something refreshing to this market.” Taco Bell will be rolled out in the major Indian cities initially.