Freezing profits with frozen yogurt

Increasing health consciousness among Indians has led to the popularity of yogurt ice creams. Cashing on this consciousness flavoured yogurt chain Berrylite Frozen Yogurt, has forayed into the nation. In an interview Mark Ng,CEO, Berrylite Pte Ltd shares the uniqueness of the brand and its franchise aspirations as well.

Neha Gohil (NG): Briefly describe about ‘Berrylite Frozen Yogurt’?

Marc Ng (MN): Berrylite is a fast-growing retailer of all-natural fat-free frozen yogurt lifestyle concept. Berrylite creations are based on its light, refreshing, and of the right taste which is 100 per cent fat-free frozen yogurt imported directly from the USA. All frozen yogurt are made in the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) certified dairy manufacturing facility in the USA. The yogurt mixes are shipped in liquid form, so that they are able to retain all the live and active cultures, which is essential to support a healthy immune and digestive system. Berrylite frozen yogurt is highly beneficial for health as compared to the powered-based products used by competitors. It has developed more than 50 flavors of frozen yogurt (such as Green Tea, Dark Chocolate, pistachio).  To add on to the healthiness, Berrylite boosts the yogurt concept with the most fresh fruit toppings (pomegranate, passion fruit, pomelo) in Singapore. The fruits are cut fresh daily at each store, and are never frozen.

NG: What is the USP of Berrylite Frozen Yogurt?

MN: We have many USP’s for our brand. These are:

• We are the only frozen yogurt company that sells authentic frozen yogurt (never made from powder), which contains more than 10 millions of live and active cultures per gram in all its flavors. 
• All our products are certified by the National Yogurt Association in USA.
• Berrylite frozen yogurt has more than 50 flavors ranging from tart to sweet yogurt.

NG: When and why did you plan to expand via franchising? What are your expansion plans for India?

MN: We have taken the franchise route recently this year only. The company is looking at single territories and master franchise models in India.

NG: What kind of location are you looking for expansion in India?

MN: We are looking to set up outlets in all major cities and connecting cities in India.

NG: Where all are you present till now and how many franchise outlets you have?

MN: Currently, we are in Singapore with 10 stores.

NG: What are your requisites in terms of skills, area and investment from a prospective franchisee for each brand?

MN: We look for franchisees that have passion for yogurt products who are keen to do F&B business and preferably who already have an experience in running business (but this is not a must). Our area requirement is 300 sq. ft and investment may vary from Rs 3 to 4.5  lakh.

NG: What kind of training and support you offer to a franchisee?

MN: We provide and inform everything that a franchisee may need to know to run a Berrylite frozen yogurt store a success.