German Doner Kebab targets India entry in 2026

Fast casual gourmet kebab chain German Doner Kebab (GDK) is reportedly preparing to enter the Indian market with its first outlet scheduled to open in early 2026.

In an interview with Reuters, CEO Simon Wallis stated that the Scotland-based company is aiming to reach £1bn ($1.32bn) in worldwide sales by 2030.

He described India as “an important part of that growth plan” and “ripe” for the brand’s offering, pointing to the country’s expanding middle class and increasing protein consumption.

“It’s a thriving economy, which is one reason why a number of brands are attracted to the Indian market,” he told the news agency.

GDK, backed by private equity company True, plans to scale up its global footprint from 170 outlets across the UK, Europe, North America and the Middle East to 900.

The chain’s India launch will be managed through a master franchise agreement with GBC India, a Middle East-based bakery products supplier.

In line with the strategy followed by other international quick-service chains such as McDonald’s and Burger King in India, GDK will avoid beef on its local menu and instead focus on lamb to reflect consumer preferences.

Wallis also addressed earlier comments made in 2022 by his predecessor, Imran Sayeed, who had suggested a possible New York Stock Exchange listing within three to five years.

Wallis stated that the current priority is to reach the £1bn sales target and that there are no listing plans “as of now”.

For 2025, GDK expects revenues to exceed £183m, up from £161m pounds in 2024.

International foodservice brands including Little Caesars and Papa John’s International are accelerating their rollout in India. At the same time, Yum Brands’ KFC and Pizza Hut have been experiencing softer sales as consumers rein in spending.

That environment is paving the way for “newer, more disruptive brands to emerge”, added Wallis.

“German Doner Kebab targets India entry in 2026” was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand.

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