Established
2011
Franchise Units
4
Minimum Investment
₹ 20,00,000
Franchise Fee
₹ 3,00,000
Total Investment Range
₹ 35,00,000
Home Based
No
Description
The Indian food and beverage industry is undergoing a structural shift toward health-conscious indulgence. Today’s consumers refuse to choose between eating cleanly and satisfying their sweet tooth. Enter HUG (by Hug Foods Pvt. Ltd.), an innovative brand that cracked the code by offering an expansive line of premium frozen yogurts (97% fat-free) and authentic Italian gelatos (gluten-free, with zero air content for a richer texture). By doing away with artificial preservatives and utilizing a fun, high-margin, self-serve format, HUG transforms a traditional dessert run into a personalized experience. Customers have complete freedom to mix up to six flavors and pile on an infinite choice of toppings without penalty. Backed by the prominent Nahar Group (OWM Group)—a multi-billion-dollar business house with an entrepreneurial heritage dating back to 1949—HUG is strategically positioned as India’s premier guilt-free dessert destination.
Background
Established Year: 2011
Franchise Commencement Year: 2012
Founders: Mr. Rishabh Oswal (Nahar/OWM Group family)
Industry Category: Food & Beverages (Premium Desserts & Frozen Yogurt)
Active Franchise Units: 3 Company-Owned, 4+ Franchise Locations (Aggressively expanding via Regional Master Franchise networks)
Brand Journey & Market Presence: Founded by Rishabh Oswal after studying at the University of Nottingham, HUG was engineered to fill a massive void in the Indian market: the total absence of high-quality, guilt-free desserts at approachable prices. While the parent group dominates manufacturing and textiles, HUG bridges the gap between direct-to-consumer food retail and top-tier product R&D. The brand is systematically establishing its footprint across Northern, Western, Southern, Central, and Eastern India through dedicated local business owners.
Support Training
Pre-Launch & Site Selection Support: HUG’s real estate team works closely with you to analyze foot traffic, screen high-potential retail zones (malls, upscale high streets, or educational hubs), and deliver complete layout plans.
Academic & Product Training: Franchisees and their selected staff undergo comprehensive operational training directly at the corporate Head Office. This ensures a flawless understanding of food safety, machine calibration, inventory control, and customer handling.
Operational & Technical Integration: The upfront franchise investment covers robust point-of-sale (POS) systems, automated inventory trackers, and operational software, reducing manual management stress.
Marketing & Brand Promotions: HUG handles high-impact product launches, national social media campaigns, seasonal menu engineering, and supplies high-quality marketing collateral to maximize local store visibility.
Ideal Candidate
Financial Capability: Candidates must demonstrate clear access to a minimum capital pool of ₹20 Lakhs to ₹30 Lakhs for a single unit, or ₹1 Crore+ if seeking Master Franchise territory rights.
Business Acumen & Passion: Prior retail, hospitality, or F&B background is helpful but not mandatory. The brand prioritizes driven individuals who are passionate about scaling a unique consumer brand and possess local demographic knowledge.
Location and Space Requirements: * Minimum Floor Area Required: 500 sq. ft.
Preferred Settings: High-footfall premium malls, prominent market high streets, tech parks, or upscale residential areas.
Financial Detail
| Financial Metric | Estimated Values (INR) |
| Minimum Investment Required | ₹15,00,000 |
| Total Investment Range | ₹20,00,000 – ₹35,00,000 (depending on format and city) |
| Franchise Fee | ₹3,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 |
| Infrastructure & Fit-out Cost | ₹10,00,000 – ₹18,00,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Working Capital | ₹3,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 |
| Marketing Budget (Local Launch) | ₹1,00,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 5% to 6% of monthly gross sales |
| Expected ROI | 35% – 45% annually |
| Break-even Timeline | 14 to 18 Months (Operational break-even achieved within 3 months) |