Dunkin’ Donuts is set to cease operations in India by the end of 2026, as its franchise partner Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd (JFL) will not renew their agreement. This decision follows a strategic review highlighting significant losses and underperformance of the Dunkin’ brand in India. JFL will now focus resources on its more successful brands like Domino’s and Popeyes.
Donuts have quietly become one of the most relished delicacies in India, delighting far more than just children. Their soft, pillowy texture, golden‑brown crust, and swirls of glaze or sprinkles make them irresistible to adults as well, often turning into a guilty pleasure with coffee or a quick treat after a long day.
They now sit comfortably between desserts and everyday treats, like truly ageless delightsBut a new update from one of the most beloved Donut brands in India has sent the delicacy lovers on edge.
Dunkin’ Donuts is shutting down in India!
Dunkin’ Donuts is set to vanish from Indian streets by the end of 2026, as its local franchise partner, Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd (JFL), has decided to pull the plug on the brand’s operations in the country. What began as a 15‑year partnership in 2011 is now winding up amid reported losses and a strategic change by the Bharatia family‑promoted quick‑service restaurant giant.According to a regulatory filing by JFL, the Multiple Unit Development Franchise Agreement (MUDFA) dated February 24, 2011 between JFL and Dunkin’ will come to an end on that date, and the company “will not renew its franchise agreement with Dunkin”.
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The board of Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd has also resolved on the “non‑renewal of the development rights granted in MUDFA, entered into for development and operation of Dunkin’ brand in India, upon expiry of its current development term,” as per the stock‑exchange filing.
This means that Dunkin’ stores will be closed down in India in a phased manner, rather than in one sudden shutdown.
Why did Jubilant choose to exit Dunkin’?
Reports in Deccan Herald say JFL made this call after a strategic review that highlighted “heavy losses” and underperformance of the Dunkin’ business in India compared with its other brands.According to Reuters, JFL has decided to exit the Dunkin’ India franchise agreement after 2026 so that it can focus its resources on stronger performers like Domino’s and Popeyes, which have a more solid presence in the country.In its regulatory note, JFL explained that the company will, “in a phased manner, evaluate and undertake such actions as may be considered appropriate in respect of its existing Dunkin’ brand operations, including rationalisation and/or cessation of certain operations and/or sale, transfer or disposal of assets and/or assignment or transfer of franchise rights,” all in consultation with the Dunkin’ brand owner.These actions will be carried out strictly “in accordance with the terms of the MUDFA, applicable laws, regulatory requirements and contractual obligations,” the company added, as per PTI report.
What does this mean for Dunkin’ fans?
For Indian customers who have come to enjoy Dunkin’’s coffee‑and‑donut combos, the closure effectively means the brand will no longer be available through its current outlets after the end of 2026. Some outlets may already start winding down in the coming months as JFL begins to “rationalise” its Dunkin’ estate, converting or shutting stores on a market‑by‑market basis.Jubilant FoodWorks, meanwhile, will continue to operate an extensive network of over 3,500 stores across India, Turkey, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan and Georgia, with global brands such as Domino’s and Popeyes and its own brands like Hong’s Kitchen and COFFY.
