Keventers, established in 1925 by Swedish dairy entrepreneur Edward Keventer, has evolved into a leading name in premium dairy desserts. With its focus on quality and innovation, the brand has built a loyal customer base, offering a range of indulgent treats that blend nostalgia with modern indulgences. Keventers’ legacy continues to grow across India and the UAE, redefining the dessert experience with quick-service models, trendy innovations, and unique packaging.
In this interview, we speak with Amir Siddiqui, Managing Director of Keventers, who has been steering the company since its inception in 2017. He shares his insights on managing the brand’s growth in a competitive market, the challenges of international expansion, and why the brand is confident in its ability to succeed globally. Amir discusses the opportunities for franchise partners in the GCC and MENA regions and offers valuable advice for those looking to join the Keventers journey.
How long have you been in your current position and what are your key responsibilities?
I have been in the current position since the inception of the company in 2017 and I am responsible for the overall management of the company which includes Brand Development, Business Development, Strategy and Market Assessment, Area Development, Research and Development, Expansion & New Store Openings etc.
Overall, how long have you been involved in franchising?
5 years plus.
What do you like most about your job?
Being associated with a brand loved by masses gives me great energy and keeps me motivated to learn and elevate our customer experience. The job also gives me immense opportunity to connect with industry leaders, business veterans which is a huge source of learning and honing your skills.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
Managing the business in a competitive environment is the most challenging part. We need to be on top of brand recall, customer satisfaction, new product development & launches, new location development , employee satisfaction and so on.
What is the main reason you are considering international franchising?
To expand on a better scale and with better experience of local partners who know the territory better than us. We also have numerous customer feedback on opening the brand in different territories where they live or they mostly travel to, which gives us inspiration to seek global avenues for the brand.
What is unique or special about your brand’s products and services?
Our products are made simple, fresh, packed in glass bottles and jars, and with best ingredients and great taste and great customer experience we make the consumer coming back to us again and again.
Why do you think you will be successful internationally?
We have already proved our success in UAE which was quite challenging, and our 8 years of sustainable span & growth here has given us the confidence to expand further. Our product line is not regional or local but has more global appeal.
What are the priority countries/territories you are looking to develop?
GCC Countries especially KSA.
Why have you identified these countries and/territories as a top priority?
We have seen huge business potential in these territories and are confident that our brand will be a right fit for the consumer and the investor.
What are the main qualifications and capabilities you are looking for in a master franchisee or area developer?
Business experience in F&B and Retail with a clear vision for on long term association and growth.
How long does it typically take to finalize an agreement once you find a qualified and capable master franchisee or area developer for a new market?
It should ideally be done in 2-3 Months.
Once you finalize an agreement, how long does it take for the market entry planning before you launch the business in a new market?
5-6 Months period post agreement.
Any advice you can share with parties who are interested in getting into franchising by acquiring rights for a local or international franchise?
We are looking at scaling up the brand in GCC and Mena region as a whole and any partner who can run one territory would have the opportunity to take the brand further ahead.
To know more about KEVENTERS, click https://worldfranchisecentre.com/franchise/keventers/
