Written By: Gouri Ghosh

Adapting from old to new, India's dessert industry is on the transformation edge. Sweet treats like gulab jamun or beyond-global desserts have opened invitations for innovations in the Indian palate. Today's dessert market has been growing by 12% annually due to a combination of factors: a younger population adopting changing lifestyles due to urbanization, and favoring exotic flavors and formats. Among all the trends, The Belgian Waffle Co franchise has emerged as a special standout. 

Well-known for its signature Waffle Sandwiches, the brand has paved the way in making waffles a handheld dessert. With over 350 outlets in India by 2024, it is already very much fondly identified within Indian households, synonymous with quality and indulgence.

History of Belgian Waffle Co.

Previously considered relatively niche, waffles are now coming into their own as a key presenting product in the developing Indian dessert market. They will increasingly satisfy growing needs for high-end dessert products of which many will have international styles but should remain affordable. As more consumers allocate dining budgets for sweet treats, the market for waffles is expected to grow at rapid speed.

 A proven business model combined with strong brand name gives excellent profit margins from the Belgian Waffle brand and is sure to benefit the budding entrepreneur. Cities in India are increasingly becoming exposed to exciting food concepts. Tier 2 cities are no exception, and so The Belgian Waffle franchise is likely to take a long ferry ride with a full ship.

 Brand Profile

• Founded in 2015, the Belgian Waffle Co. hoped to introduce authentic Belgian waffles into the Indian market.
• The founders found a gap in the Indian market in making a high-quality, affordable waffle. They were looking to establish a brand that would make a premium yet affordable dessert experience for people to avail.

Journey of the Belgian Waffle Co in India

• Then the brand became famous as it introduced freshly made waffles with novel toppings and combinations.
• This will see Belgian Waffle Co in 2024 grow to have over 350 outlets across the country, with a major presence in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Pune along with a few others as well.
• The company has also made its presence in both Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to reach the untouched markets having a growing demand for such innovative desserts.

USP of the Belgian Waffle Co

Signature Products:

• Waffles: Soft, fluffy, and crispy waffles made from the finest ingredients.
• Toppings: The toppings, which range from fruits and chocolates to cream and nuts, allow customers to customize their waffles.
• Beverages: A variety of shakes, cold brews, and coffees that pair well with the waffles.

Brand Values:

• Quality: Always high-quality waffles made from fresh ingredients.
• Affordable: Premium products made available to all pocket-friendly prices.
• Taste Familiarity:  There is a large number of outlets, every outlet maintains the same great taste and quality, meeting total satisfaction.

Success Highlights

• Number of Outlets in India: More than 350 across 100+ cities all across the country; one of the largest waffle chains in the country.
• International Presence: The brand is also sweeping into the international market with a burgeoning presence in nations such as the UAE and Sri Lanka. 

Awards and Recognition:

• Awarded for innovation in the dessert market.
• Awards for customer satisfaction and product quality.

How to Start the Belgian Waffle Co Franchise in India 2025?

Are you looking to start a business? Well, Belgium Waffle Co franchising in India is all about entering the booming dessert market. Guidelines on doing this are as follows.

# Step 1: Contact and Inquiry

• Log on to the Belgian Waffle Co official website.
• Fill out the franchise interest form or submit a proposal.
• Contact the franchise team via e-mail or telephone to get all the details.

Step 2: Eligibility Criteria

• Space Requirement: You should have at least 200-300 square feet of retail space in a high-footfall area.
• Investment: Prepare to invest 20-30 lakhs, including the installation and franchise fees.
• Experience: It is preferable but not a mandatory requirement.

# 3: Inquisition And Conformation Process

• The company evaluates your application based on location, investment capacity, and alignment with their brand values.
• Be ready for interviews and discussions with the Belgian Waffle Co team.

Step 4: Signing The Franchise Agreement

Franchise Agreement: Review the document quietly, since it will constitute important clauses such as:

• Franchise Term: Seems to be 5-10 years.
• Territory Exclusivity: No other franchise operates in your area.
• Royalty Fees: Percentage of revenue shared with the company.
•  

Step 5: Setting Up Outlet and Training

Follow along the brand outlet design and layout.

• The installation of equipment is by Indian Waffle Co.
• Staff training is for ensuring quality service and product.

# 6: Launch and Operations

Do pre-launch marketing campaigns to secure potential customers.

• Prepare for a really big event at the opening with franchisor assistance.
• Apart from this, the minutiae concerning daily operation, menu updates, marketing, and all other facets are also handled by Belgian Waffle Co.

Cost of Belgian Waffle Co Franchise in India: How Much to Invest and Returns

Types of Outlets

Kiosk (Mall Setup)

• Meant for high-footfall areas in malls.
• The cost of franchise for Belgian Waffle Co kiosks comes included with much less space requirement and a medium investment. These types of setups promote a compact food place, emphasizing quick service and hence ensuring good rush. 

Café (Standalone Setup)

• Such are for a much more leisurely dining experience. 
• Café franchises of the Belgian Waffle Co. require bigger areas and slightly more investments as compared to kiosks. 
• Much more comfortable dining experience with variety of seating available 

Investment Breakdown

The Belgian Waffle franchise cost in India includes

•  Franchise Fee: The one-time fee for acquiring brand rights. 
• Equipment and Raw Materials: Machines for waffle preparation and the initial stock of ingredients. 
• Interior Design: To get that signature look for either kiosk or café outlet.

Returns on Investment (ROI)

• Breakeven Timeline—this depends on the outlet type and location for recovering part of the investment.
•  Monthly Revenue: Huge profit generation due to high-margin products like waffles. Include most kiosks and cafés, but for cafes, as a rule of thumb, higher revenues due to increased customer spending.

 Market Potential for Waffles in India 

The Belgian Waffle Co has all its chances of becoming a leader in the growing Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) and dessert market in India by 2025.

Market Trends in the Dessert and QSR Segment

• Growth Projections: The QSR market in India is set to grow from USD 25.46 billion in 2024 to USD 38.71 billion by 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.74% in its total revenues.
• Consumer Spending: There is increasing consumer spending on premium and indulgent foods with higher disposable incomes and mushrooming middle class.
• Grab-and-go Desserts: Increased urbanization and hectic daily lives create demand for convenient, on-the-go dessert options in urban and semi-urban regions.

New Avenues for Expansion in Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities

• Market Penetration: The organized foodservice sector in India will capture roughly 49% of market share by 2025, which means there is a big market left for growth in smaller cities. 
• Job Creation: Food services would employ about 10.3 million people by 2025 at a growth rate of 20% against 8.5 million employees in 2021 reflecting advancing growth in the sector. 

Comparative Advantages of Belgian Waffle Co.

• Brand Penetration: The brand is already the most famous name in waffles in India with over 570 stores spread across more than 190 cities. 
• Product Offerings: The company has since then launched some more innovative products for its consumer base, laying out a diverse menu offering consistent quality that serves customers from both young and adult age groups. 
• Experience of the Consumer: The brand caters to the increasing demand for quick and portable dessert options by serving mouth-watering waffles in an easy mess-free manner.

Challenges and Solutions for Belgian Waffle Co Franchise in India

• Dealing with Operations in a Competitive Environment : With the influx of a lot of local and international Dessert brands, the QSR industry is very competitive in India. New entrants with very aggressive pricing can stand unreasonable competition.
• Supply Chain Logistics: While dealing with the supply of high-quality raw materials such as waffle batter and toppings, it becomes inevitable to supply at certain Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Disruptions in supply cause delays in the operation and affect the overall customer experience.
• Customer-Sensitive Market Retention: Indian customers are the most price-sensitive consumers in the world, thus maintaining a fine balance between high prices and affordability is needed. It requires innovative ways to retain consumers in a discount-soaked competition. Proven Results. Utilization of Brand Support for Marketing and Training 

Solutions

• Customer Loyalty Strategies : Seasonal Offers and Combos: Creating Offers for limited times and exclusive Combos increases the engagement of customers and increases repeat visits.
• Membership Programs: Benefits of Loyalty rewards are attached to increased purchases and having frequent shopping thereby increased long-term retention.
• Ensuring Quality and Consistency : Centralized Supply Chain: Belgian Waffle Co controls and manages a consolidated stream of raw materials to ensure consistent quality of materials irrespective of the location of the outlets. 
• Standardized Processes: Robust training with regard to SOPs also ensures the same taste as well as service being offered across...

Conclusion:

The Belgian Waffle Co franchise in India is an investment-friendly business opportunity built on the reputation of their brand; in addition, it's a tried and tested business model that delivers on growth because of the spiking demand for premium desserts among the masses. 

For example, while the Indian dessert and QSR market are projected to grow tremendously in the years up to 2025, the Belgian Waffle Co opportunity abounds with neat possibilities, especially for the densely populated urban semi-urban areas. This is actually the best time for aspiring entrepreneurs to partner with Belgian Waffle Co and start their sweet business journey with Franchisebazar, given the increasing demand for indulgent, grab-and-go desserts.

Disclaimer: The brands mentioned in this blog are the recommendations provided by the author. FranchiseBAZAR does not claim to work with these brands / represent them / or are associated with them in any manner. Investors and prospective franchisees are to do their own due diligence before investing in any franchise business at their own risk and discretion. FranchiseBAZAR or its Directors disclaim any liability or risks arising out of any transactions that may take place due to the information provided in this blog.