Quite a few alert readers are likely already frequenting this boudoir of delights that has seen branches pop up all over Nanjing in the last couple of years, often nearby the gates of universities inside metro stations, beside larger residential compounds or along streets renowned for their decent footfall.
This is INM (Yiming). But first the back story.
Zhejiang Yiming Food Co., Ltd. dates back to 1992 Wenzhou. Establishing their own ecological ranch in Taishun, the firm brought in pure Holstein and Jersey heffers from Australia, and built a comprehensive animal husbandry management system. They claim such efforts promote the improvement of the quality of raw milk and increase farmers’ enthusiasm to develop production.
The efforts led to opening of (Yiming alleges) China’s first milk bar in 2002. Today there are in excess of 1,500. Read on for details as to Nanjing.
Hence to the edible end of things.
For many a carbohydrate-starved foreigner in Nanjing, the bread shelves shall likely first catch their glance. China’s love affair with sweet bread has jaded; her new closest companion is now milk bread. For this correspondent, the latter is only marginally less revolting.
Therefore, steer clear of anything baked that looks a bit anemic and go with the wholewheat variety; a pack of 6 excellent slices goes for ¥6.5.
Then there is the egg milk and the flavoured fermented milk. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but it is heartwarming to see niche products in politically-correct days advancing into the mainstream in China.
Not good enough? Can I instead tempt with “Mango Hanjuku Cheesecake; selected French mango puree and mascarpone cheese”? Thought so!
How about some other options… “Elegant yogurt with double the protein and live probiotics”? Last but not least, INM offers breakfast/lunch selections such as sandwiches and the Teppanyaki Panini pictured left.
With over 200 stores in Nanjing, such rapid expansion has been made possible by an “oven ready” franchise model. Entrepreneurial readers of The Nanjing need only go to Yiming’s website (www.inm.cn), check that they satisfy requirements as to the firm’s commitment to sustainability (re. the aforementioned farmers) and fill in the online franchise application form. Your own shop could be open in months, if not weeks.
INM has locations all over Nanjing. Download the APP (inm-鲜活美一天) to find the nearest one to you.
