Le Pain Quotidien announced its re-entry into the Indian market through a master franchise agreement with Bake & Brew Private Limited, a venture backed by the prominent Nalanda Group. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Le Pain Quotidien’s global expansion, with plans to establish over 100 outlets across India by 2035, aiming for a brand valuation of ₹1,000 crore over the next decade.
With an initial investment of ₹35 crore, the venture will begin by launching two flagship outlets in Mumbai by March 2025, followed by an aggressive expansion strategy targeting major metro areas and key travel retail locations, including airports. The expansion will not only establish Le Pain Quotidien’s presence in India, but also create substantial value in this burgeoning market.
Founded by Alain Coumont in Brussels in 1990, Le Pain Quotidien has built a legacy of offering high quality, fresh ingredients that contribute to customers’ well-being. With a presence in over 20 countries and 220 stores, the brand is synonymous with health and wellness, a philosophy that will be central to its operations in India.
Brijesh Agrawal, Director of Bake & Brew Private Limited, said, “Our collaboration is driven by a shared vision to introduce Indian consumers to Le Pain Quotidien’s unique blend of rustic charm and modern innovation. We are committed to delivering a premium dining experience that meets the evolving tastes of Indian consumers while upholding the brand’s global standards of sustainability and quality.”
Annick Van Overstraeten, CEO of Le Pain Quotidien, said, “We are ecstatic to bring Le Pain Quotidien back to India. This marks a new chapter where we aim to create spaces that foster a sense of community, offering an authentic dining experience that celebrates the joy of simple, nourishing food. Partnering with Bake & Brew and Brijesh Agrawal ensures we meet the local market’s expectations and sustainability goals.”
Le Pain Quotidien’s re-entry into India is not just about expanding its footprint but also about creating significant employment opportunities. The brand is expected to generate approximately 1,500 new jobs, with Bake & Brew implementing extensive skills training programs to ensure high-quality service and an optimized customer experience.
In line with its global commitment to health and wellness, Le Pain Quotidien’s menu in India will feature a mix of global signature dishes and localized offerings, including millet-based dishes, salads, tartines and organic sourdough bread.
The brand will maintain 80% of its global menu while adapting 20% to local tastes, ensuring a perfect blend of international and regional flavours. Additionally, the restaurants will offer a range of healthy beverages, including house-made lemonades, teas, and coffees made with natural ingredients.
Le Pain Quotidien’s outlets in India will embody the brand’s core values, combining rustic charm with modern design and focusing on community dining. The brand’s commitment to sustainability will be reflected in its use of biodegradable packaging and partnerships with local farmers.
This re-entry into the Indian market is more than just a business expansion; it is an invitation for Indian consumers to rediscover communal dining and authentic flavours with high-quality, sustainable food choices.