At a time when India is looking to open up its retail sector to foreign investments further, lesser known international food brands such Loon Tao, Berrylite and Sarpino's Pizzeria are set to announce their entry into the country to cash in on the opportunity.

Even Dubai-based diversified business conglomerate BinHendi Enterprises is also looking to bring its restaurant brands in India.

While Colombo's Chinese restaurant chain Loon Tao is likely to open its first outlet in India in the first half of 2012, Singapore-based frozen yogurt chain Berrylite is scouting for partners in India.

Similarly, Sarpino's Pizzeria, an Italian fast food brand headquartered in the United States, will also enter India though franchise route.

All these firms have partnered with Franchise India, a firm that helps companies facilitate entry and expansion into the country.

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"With the growing middle class and disposable incomes, there is no better emerging market than India. We are excited to be present in India with plans to open first restaurant in Chandigarh in the second quarter of 2012," Gold Block Pvt Ltd MD and CEO Janaka Wimalananda told PTI.

He said Gold Block that runs premium Chinese restaurants in Colombo, including Loon Tao, is hoping to set up around 50 outlets across India in the next five years.

"A franchisee would be required to make an investment of around Rs 2 crore (Rs 20 million) per restaurant," he added.

Similarly, Dubai-based diversified business conglomerate BinHendi Enterprises that currently operates five exclusive Hugo Boss stores in India is eyeing the food and beverages segment here.

"Going ahead, we wish to bring in a host of restaurant brands which we own such as Havana, Bella Donna and Japengo for which we are looking for franchisees in India," BinHendi Enterprises president Mohi-Din BinHendi said but did not share specifics of the plan.

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"Even for Hugo Boss we are looking to add more outlets in the country," he added.

According to Franchise India Holding, "Berrylite is actively looking for franchise partners in India". At present Berrylite has two franchise outlets, five company-owned outlets in Singapore.

The company's President and CEO Mark Ng is visiting India this week to announce plans for the market.

Similarly, Sarpino's Pizzeria will announce its India entry this week.

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"The Indian pizza market would be around Rs 1,400-1,500 crore (Rs 14-15 billion). Entry of Sarpino's Pizzeria brand in India would be an exciting opportunity for both Indian investors and consumers alike," Franchise India President Gaurav Marya said.

Likewise, US-based fast food chain 'Lenny's Sub Shop', is all set to enter Indian market via franchise route.

With headquarters in Memphis, TN Lenny's operates over 150 restaurants across the country, Franchise India Holding said.

Franchise India Holding is organising its 9th international Retail and Franchise show in Delhi this week that provides a platform to businesses and investors from across the globe to enter and expand in India.