In a country where cricket is nothing short of a religion, Mahendra Singh Dhoni stands out as one of the most iconic figures to have ever graced the sport. Known for his exceptional skills, calm demeanor, and extraordinary leadership, Dhoni’s achievements on the cricket field are well-documented. However, in recent years, he has also made headlines for his foray into the world of business, particularly in the food industry. With investments in multiple ventures and a growing presence in the culinary landscape, Dhoni’s food investments have become a topic of fascination and intrigue.
Dhoni, popularly known as “Captain Cool,” has always been recognized for his strategic thinking and ability to make shrewd decisions under pressure. These qualities, which served him well on the cricket pitch, seem to have translated seamlessly into his business ventures as well. While he may have retired from international cricket, his hunger for success and passion for new challenges have driven him to explore different opportunities, with the food industry being a prominent choice.
The Allure of the Food Business: Why Actors, Sports Players, and Others are Investing
In recent years, there has been a noticeable trend of actors, sports players, and other celebrities investing in the food business. While their primary professions may lie outside the culinary world, these individuals are drawn to the food industry for several compelling reasons. Firstly, investing in the food business provides them with an opportunity to diversify their income streams and build wealth beyond their primary careers. By venturing into the food industry, they can tap into a lucrative market with substantial potential for growth and profitability.
Moreover, investing in the food business allows actors, sports players, and other celebrities to leverage their personal brand and popularity. These individuals have amassed a significant following and fan base, which translates into a ready-made customer base for their food ventures. By associating their names and reputations with a restaurant, food product, or culinary concept, they can attract attention and generate buzz, leading to increased patronage and sales.
Additionally, investing in the food industry often aligns with the personal interests and passions of these individuals. Many celebrities have a genuine love for food, cooking, and exploring culinary experiences. By investing in the food business, they can turn their passion into a profitable endeavor, indulging their creativity and showcasing their unique culinary perspectives. This involvement allows them to be actively involved in the creation and development of a food brand, menu, or recipe, providing a sense of ownership and personal fulfillment.
Decoding MS Dhoni’s Food Investments:
After announcing his retirement from all formats of international cricket on August 15, 2020, MS Dhoni made his entry into the food industry by investing in the D2C food and beverage company, 7InkBrews, in 2021. He also became the brand ambassador for the company.
Headquartered in Mumbai, 7InkBrews was established by Mohit Bhagchandani, along with Co-Founders Adil Mistry and Kunal Patel. The company has successfully raised over $7 million and aims to secure an additional funding of nearly $15 million in the coming months. These funds will be utilized to support the company’s ambitions of expanding both domestically and internationally.
Taking inspiration from their brand ambassador Dhoni’s iconic helicopter shot and his jersey number, the company introduced a fresh lineup of products, including artisanal chocolates and beverages. These delightful offerings were proudly presented under the brand name Copter7, paying homage to Dhoni’s legacy and style.
To curate an exceptional selection of artisanal chocolates, 7Ink Brews joined forces with renowned chocolatier and chef, David Belo, hailing from the esteemed craft chocolate brand Naviluna based in Mysore.
Speaking about the partnership with 7InkBrews, Dhoni said, “When you believe so strongly in the vision of a company, it makes the association that much more meaningful. I am truly elated to be a shareholder and brand ambassador for a company like 7Ink Brews. The food and beverage line, Copter7 has great potential and I am excited to be associated with it.”
Investment in plant-based meat startup:
In 2022, the renowned Indian cricket captain, MS Dhoni, grabbed attention with his investment in the plant-based meat startup ‘Shaka Harry’. The exact amount of equity funding he contributed remains undisclosed.
Founded by Anand Nagarajan, Sandeep Devgan, Hemalatha Srinivasan, Ruth Renita, and Anoop Haridasan, Shaka Harry is a direct-to-consumer (D2C) brand of Liberate Foods. With a focus on providing high-quality plant-based meat and snacking food products, Shaka Harry offers an extensive selection that includes stuffed chicken paratha, mutton keema, chicken burger patties, and chicken fries, among other enticing options.
With exclusive access to proprietary taste and flavor solutions, Shaka Harry’s products possess a distinctive advantage. This advantage is further enhanced through the brand’s collaboration with Chef Manu Chandra, one of India’s esteemed culinary experts. The partnership with Chef Manu Chandra, renowned as one of the country’s top chefs, brings an exceptional level of expertise and culinary finesse to the brand’s offerings.
In July 2022, Liberate Foods, the startup’s parent company, successfully raised $2 million in seed funding. The company’s capitalization table includes notable investors such as Better Bite Ventures, Blue Horizon, Panthera Peak, Dexler Holdings, and Chef Manu Chandra, among other contributors.
Speaking about the partnership, Dhoni said, “I love everything chicken, but increasingly, I am looking at a more balanced diet. It is much easier with products from Shaka Harry, which has a wide range that delivers a healthier experience to that of traditional meat dishes. For a growing population, current protein sources aren’t sustainably as scalable. We now have a choice to shift to smarter protein alternatives without compromising on taste and texture.”
Organic farming:
In addition to his investments in startups, MS Dhoni has also dedicated his time and resources to organic farming. Within his 43-acre farmhouse located at Ring Road in Sembo village, Ranchi, he has allocated approximately 10 acres of land for this purpose. Dhoni’s luxurious farmhouse serves as a hub for cultivating a variety of fruits and vegetables, including strawberries, cabbage, tomatoes, broccoli, peas, hock, and papaya.
Investment in Hospitality:
Despite being relatively lesser-known, one of MS Dhoni’s notable business investments is his ownership of Hotel Mahi Residency. Notably, the hotel does not have any other franchises and is situated in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
Final Thoughts:
Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s foray into the food industry and his diverse business investments demonstrate his strategic thinking, entrepreneurial spirit, and ability to capitalize on his brand and personal interests. As a cricketing icon with a massive fan base, Dhoni has leveraged his popularity to venture into the food industry, tapping into a lucrative market and attracting attention to his ventures.
Investing in the food business has allowed Dhoni to diversify his income streams beyond cricket and build wealth in a different industry. By associating his name with food products and culinary concepts, he has been able to generate buzz, attract customers, and increase sales. Furthermore, Dhoni’s genuine love for food and his desire to explore culinary experiences have fueled his involvement in the food industry, allowing him to indulge his passion and showcase his unique culinary perspectives.
As of 2023, it is estimated that MS Dhoni’s total net worth amounts to around USD 127 million (INR 1040 crores).
