Investment Rs. 30 million:

Domino’s Pizza to expand presence in Lanka

Indunil HEWAGE

India based Jubilant Foodworks Ltd which owns the exclusive franchise right to Domino's Pizza in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh is set to expand its presence in Sri Lanka by adding another five to six outlets with a state of the art factory at a cost of Rs 300 million in 2012.

Ajay Kaul. Picture by Saliya Rupasinghe

Jubilant Foodworks Ltd CEO Ajay Kaul speaking to Daily News Business said that Jubilant Foodworks has already shortlisted several areas, Rajagiriya, Ja -ela, Wattala, Maharagama, Moratuwa and Negombo for their outlets’ expansion plan. Jubilant Foodworks entered into the Sri Lankan market, opening its first Domino's Pizza outlet in Dehiwala in August 2011 and opened the second signature Domino's Pizza outlet in Nugegoda. The company has made investments amounting to Rs 200 million in Sri Lanka for the last year alone whilst providing job opportunities for a workforce of 150 so far.

Commenting on the progress that have been made by Domino's as well as Jubilant Foodworks in the Sri Lankan market, Kaul said, “Since the launch of the Domino's first store in Sri Lanka, the consumers’ response has been overwhelming.

“The company is optimistic that the Domino's brand will live up to the expectations of Sri Lankan Pizza lovers and its expertise in operations, customer practices, human resource management, investments and continued commitment will soon establish ourselves as a successful brand in Sri Lanka.”

“With the war being over, peace has been established in Sri Lanka and we are geared to better reap post war opportunities fuelled by ongoing development initiatives and the impressive economic performance of the country. The food service industry in Sri Lanka is thriving due to the booming tourism industry and the increasing purchasing power of Sri Lankan consumers. With these factors, we believe in the immense potential of Sri Lanka as a market for Domino's Pizza.

“The company has plans to increase its Pizza outlets to 25 to 30 in Sri Lanka in another four to five years time by bringing its entire workforce to 1200-1500 .With this, the overall investment made by Jubilant Foodworks in Sri Lanka since the launch of its first outlet will reach Rs 2000 million,” Kaul said.

Jubilant Woodworks is the franchisee of US based coffee chain Dunkin’ Donuts and is looking at possibilities to introduce Dunkin's Donuts outlets to Sri Lankan markets in years ahead.