Sweet taste of success

Mary Frances Kennedy Fisher, a preeminent American food writer, once said, “First we eat, then we do anything else.” And it’s a statement that Millie’s Cookies stands up to. In fact, such is the passion invested in making its wide range of cookies, muffins, brownies, cakes, pastries, shakes, smoothies, tea and coffee that it becomes apparent that food is given top priority here. Established in 1985 in United Kingdom, the retail bakery story has come a long way. Today it has over 90 stores in the United Kingdom, India, France, Germany, Egypt, Malta and Hong Kong. The menu is spread over a large variety and in particular, their personalised cookies and cookie boxes are popular across all the regions they are sold in.

In India, Millie’s Cookies was set up with master rights in 2017 and started operations in 2018. “India is a huge market for the brand. We are a category creator and we say that there is no specific target group for this brand. Our customers are anywhere from seven to seventy because we have something for everyone,” says Sahil Arya, Senior Vice President, WIB Hospitality (P) Ltd. Cookies also make for a great gifting option. “For a country like India where you have festivals and celebrations almost every month, this creates a huge opportunity for business,” Arya says.

Driven by its mission to make Millie’s Cookies the number one sweet treat brand in India, the master franchisee plans to enhance the overall experience a customer gets as soon as he or she enters the store. “We are expanding in India and are looking for likeminded investors who wish to be a part of this journey. The concept is fresh and there is huge market for growth with the right partners. We are inviting all interested investors who are willing to take up an opportunity that sells more than just cookies or desserts, because at Millie’s Cookies we are selling an experience along with cookies,” Arya states.

Franchise facts

YEAR OF ESTABLISHMENT: 1985

TOTAL STORES: 100+ across the globe

INVESTMENT: Rs 45-55 lakhs

EXPECTED BREAKEVEN: 1.9-2.0 years

PREFERRED CITIES AND LOCATIONS: Top malls and high street areas across India.

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