Ahmedabad-based HOCCO (House of Chonas Collaborative) is not just another ice cream and quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain—it’s a brand built on a rich 70-year-old legacy that began before India’s independence.
The Chona family has been in the food business since 1944, originally operating in what was then undivided Pakistan. After Partition, Satish Chona, an engineer with British Overseas Airways Corporation, moved from Karachi to India, eventually settling in Ahmedabad. In 1953, he launched his first QSR outlet, laying the foundation for what would later become one of India’s most recognizable food brands.
Over the next few decades, the business expanded into casual dining and ice cream manufacturing. However, in 2017, the family sold their ice cream division to a South Korean company, shifting their focus toward a broader food service strategy.
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Fast forward to 2023, the third generation of the family led by Ankit Chona rebranded the business under the HOCCO umbrella, kicking off a new chapter of growth. In just 18 months, HOCCO has positioned itself as one of India’s fastest-growing ice cream brands, with an ambitious goal of becoming the country’s top QSR chain.
A Multi-Channel Business Model
Today, HOCCO operates over 150 outlets and has a presence across 15,000+ retail touchpoints. The company’s revenue is largely driven by its ice cream division, with about 80% of sales coming from general and modern trade. Its parlor business contributes another 10%, while quick-commerce platforms like Zepto, Blinkit, and Swiggy Instamart make up the remaining 8-10%. Ankit Chona expects online sales to rise to 20-25% within two years.
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Expanding Through Multiple Brands
HOCCO has structured its growth through multiple sub-brands, each catering to a specific market segment:
HOCCO Ice Cream Business: The company operates a state-of-the-art factory in Ahmedabad, supplying ice cream to its own restaurants as well as kirana stores, general trade, modern trade, and online platforms.
• HOCCO Eatery: A fast-food QSR chain with over 75 outlets, combining quick meals with signature ice creams.
• 1944: A casual dining chain inspired by the brand’s legacy, with spacious 3,000-5,000 sq. ft. outlets, each seating around 100 guests.
• HOCCO Ice Cream Parlours: Dedicated ice cream stores specializing in waffles, sundaes, and frozen desserts, with 150+ locations.
• HOCCO Kitchen: A highway dining concept that mirrors 1944’s offerings but is tailored for travelers.
• Huber & Holly: A premium ice cream brand launched in 2016, now with 20 locations, also available in modern trade and quick commerce. It competes with global giants like Baskin Robbins and Häagen-Dazs.
Future Expansion Plans
HOCCO is gearing up for major expansion, focusing on strengthening its offline presence, scaling up manufacturing, and exploring international markets. The brand’s aggressive growth strategy and deep-rooted legacy position it as a formidable player in India’s evolving food service industry.
