The newest well-known Western brand to enter the Indian market is the UK-based coffee and sandwich chain Pret A Manger. The company launched its first store in Mumbai. It happens the same week as US technology juggernaut Apple opens its first two shops in India.
Pret said last year that it was partnering with a unit of Reliance Industries, which is owned by Mukesh Ambani. Its chief executive Pano Christou said its offering in the country will reflect the company's brand "while also adapting to local preferences and food habits".
It marks the first venture by Reliance Brands, which also owns India's biggest retail chain, into the country's growing food and drinks industry. The shops will be aimed at "the new Indian consumer", Darshan Mehta, the managing director of Reliance Brands said.
The store will mainly offer Pret's traditional menu, with some local flavours. Most menu items will also not contain meat, to cater to India's large vegetarian population. Pret's Mumbai location opened with a majority of its staple UK menu, but it also offered a few regional specialties, such the Bombay Toastie and a spicy paneer and lima bean soup.
"It's been a bit chaotic here since we came, maybe because of it being the first day. But it's quite similar to the London stores I have been to," Hemlataa P, a fashion consultant, said.