DS Group Partners with British Cookie Brand Ben’s Cookies for India Launch

DS Group partners with Ben’s Cookies to launch in India, introducing premium, freshly baked cookies through retail stores and online channels, targeting rising demand for artisanal bakery products.

DS Group Partners with British Cookie Brand Ben’s Cookies for India Launch

Dharampal Satyapal Group (DS Group) has entered into an exclusive partnership with British bakery brand Ben’s Cookies, marking the latter’s entry into the Indian market as the company looks to tap into growing demand for premium and artisanal food offerings.

Founded in Oxford in 1983, Ben’s Cookies has built an international presence around its freshly baked cookies and bakery-focused retail model. Through the partnership, the brand will establish its footprint in India with standalone retail outlets while also leveraging online delivery and e-commerce platforms to reach consumers across major cities.

The move comes as India's food and beverage sector witnesses increasing consumer interest in premium indulgence products, particularly among urban consumers seeking differentiated dining and gifting experiences. Industry estimates indicate that the domestic cookie market, valued at approximately USD 1.3 billion in 2024, is expected to grow significantly over the next decade, driven by rising disposable incomes, evolving consumption patterns, and demand for premium products.

According to DS Group, Ben’s Cookies will introduce a range of its globally popular offerings in India, including classic chocolate-based variants alongside products tailored to local market preferences. The company also plans to offer gifting formats aimed at festive and corporate occasions, a segment that has seen strong growth in recent years.

Speaking on the development, Sanskriti Gupta of Ben’s Cookies India said the partnership aligns with DS Group’s broader strategy of expanding its presence in premium food retail categories. She added that the company aims to establish between eight and ten stores across India during the current financial year as part of its initial expansion phase.

A key aspect of the brand’s India strategy will be its bakery-first retail format, where cookies are baked fresh throughout the day within stores. Ben’s Cookies believes this approach will help differentiate it in a market increasingly crowded with packaged and mass-produced offerings.

Luke Menezes of Ben’s Cookies said maintaining the brand’s traditional quality standards remains a priority as it enters India. He noted that in addition to cookies, stores will also offer complementary products such as beverages, cookie-based desserts, and ice cream sandwiches.

For DS Group, the partnership represents another step in broadening its consumer-facing retail portfolio beyond its established FMCG businesses. The conglomerate already operates across multiple sectors including food and beverages, confectionery, hospitality, luxury retail, and agriculture.

As international food brands continue to view India as a key growth market, the launch of Ben’s Cookies reflects broader confidence in the country's premium food consumption story. With consumers increasingly willing to pay for quality, freshness, and distinctive experiences, brands positioned in the premium bakery and dessert segment are expected to find significant opportunities in the years ahead.