Foodworld to open 200 stores by 2009, invest Rs 300 crore

FOODWORLD Supermarkets, part of Hong Kong-based Dairy Farm Group, plans to invest around Rs 300 crore over three years. The company plans to operate 200 stores by 2009 across different formats like Superstore, Foodworld Gourmet and Express Stores. Currently, it operates 60 stores in Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai. Foodworld has launched its first Gourmet outlet in Bangalore. In the next phase, it plans to roll out Gourmet stores in Chennai and Hyderabad. Foodworld Gourmet will offer customers a range of exotic vegetables, imported fruits, marinated meat, seafood, Japanese and Asian cuisine and European candies.

Norman Yum, CEO, Foodworld Supermarkets, said: “We are evaluating Delhi and Mumbai as well for Gourmet and Superstores.” Meanwhile, the company is set to open its first Superstore in Hyderabad by Juneend. It plans to roll out 20-30 Superstores ranging between 16,000 to 50,000 sq ft by 2009. The Superstore in Bangalore is expected to become operational by November 2007. Foodworld Supermarkets also plans to launch 14 Express outlets by 2009 across Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai. The Express stores will basically be in and out stores comprising impulse buy products like chocolates, beverages and magazines.

ET