Kings Infra Ventures, a leading seafood exporter based in Kerala, is expanding its presence in the domestic market by opening QSR (quick service restaurant) outlets for seafood delicacies. The first outlet will open in Kochi in January 2024 under the Kings Bento brand of ready meals, said Chairman and Managing Director Shaji Baby John. The company plans to open 100 stores in Kerala under both ownership and franchise models, adding that another 200 stores will be opened in Karnataka with the support of the State Fisheries Development Corporation. These stores also market Kings Frigo, the company’s high-quality seafood. Additionally, the company has already entered the Chinese retail market under the brand name Kings Rishifu and is targeting a business of ₹ 100 crore in the first year of operation, he said.
The Kings Infra team recently made a successful visit to Shanghai Zhanjiang as part of product and market development activities and sought feedback on trial tanks supplied under the Kings Rishifu brand, Kings Bento brings the convenience of “heat and eat” fish delicacies to the home market. The recipes were developed in collaboration with the Central Institute of Fishing Technology. The product launch aligns with the company’s vision to provide customers with a delicious and effortless dining experience. To implement future expansion and marketing plans, Kings Infra will issue preference shares of Punjab National Bank worth ₹ 17 crore and has secured working capital of up to ₹ 40 crore, it added.