In the sprawling landscape of business, where the quest for profit often seems like the sole driving force, there emerges a refreshing perspective – one that champions values over mere monetary gains. Meet the creators of Lahori Zeera, the beloved Indian beverage brand that has woven a tale of community, commitment, and culinary artistry into every bottle.
“Business can never be conducted just for profit! The real worth lies in the value that is created and transferred down the chain. The local community and the larger outreach are all links in this value chain that have to be nurtured, upgraded & maintained with dedication, love, and expertise. It is our earnest endeavor and commitment to ensure that all stakeholders benefit and blossom by virtue of our actions and ideas.” – A sentiment that could easily be found on some millionaire’s Tumblr account, but these aren’t just words; they encapsulate the ethos of the founders of Lahori Zeera.
Creating for the Masses: A Journey of Culinary Exploration
“When we started, the idea was pretty clear – we wanted to create something for the masses,” reveals Nikhil Doda, the COO of Lahori Zeera, in an exclusive interview with Snackfax. What began as an aspiration to carve their entrepreneurial path soon transformed into the birth of an ethnic Indian beverage brand, thanks to the creativity and dedication of three cousins: Nikhil Doda, Saurabh Mujal, and Saurabh Bhutna.
Intriguingly, their journey commenced without a precise product in mind. The cousins were resolute about crafting something accessible to the masses. As they delved into research, a revelation struck them – various nations like Korea, Japan, China, and Africa had established their own native drinks with global acclaim, akin to beverage giants like Pepsi. A sense of astonishment arose; India, with its rich tapestry of local and flavorful beverages, lacked such representation on the world stage. This realization birthed their brainchild: Lahori Zeera.
Setback to Soaring Success: A Resilient Climb
Back in 2015, Lahori Zeera embarked on its journey with a modest production capacity of 50,000 bottles per day – a small-scale operation by industry standards. Nikhil reflects on those initial days, “Beverage is a very difficult product to establish, but for us, the product itself solved the whole purpose.” Despite the uphill struggle, their creation captivated consumers, fueling rapid market growth from day one. The turning point arrived with backing from a Belgium-based private equity fund, a moment that shifted their gears and propelled them toward their audacious vision – making Lahori Zeera the quintessential pan-Indian brand and the nation’s premier non-alcoholic beverage company.
Winning Hearts: A Flavorful Symphony of Tradition and Innovation
In the rapidly expanding non-alcoholic beverage industry of India, Lahori Zeera’s journey stands out as more than just a tale of overcoming business challenges. It symbolizes a dedicated mission to redefine perceptions and spread the rich tapestry of local flavors across the nation. This endeavor has been underpinned by a focus on quality and affordability, two paramount factors that have solidified their position in the competitive Indian market.
Lahori Zeera’s allure, deeply rooted in its choice of ingredients, is a result of their commitment to sourcing all-natural elements, even down to the water used, to create a bottled elixir that authentically captures the essence of India. This meticulous approach has resonated strongly, particularly as the non-alcoholic beverage sector in India is on a trajectory of phenomenal growth, projected to surpass US$ 18+ billion by 2026.
Navigating the diverse landscape of India, Lahori Zeera recognized the critical importance of price points, especially in Tier II and III cities where a majority of the population resides. This strategic understanding has been pivotal in penetrating markets and cultivating a brand that thrives on customer loyalty. Despite the vast population, the per capita consumption of non-alcoholic beverages in India remains relatively low at approximately 5.5 liters per annum, highlighting the immense growth potential in contrast to the significantly higher per capita consumption observed in the United States.
The success story of Lahori Zeera, which has firmly established its stronghold across northern India, including states like Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana, extends beyond regional boundaries. Crafted by Indians, for Indians, with an emphasis on authentic Indian flavors, Lahori Zeera’s journey is far from over. Their ambitious vision transcends the confines of geography as they aspire to captivate palates all across the country. Fuelled by their journey of passion, unwavering values, and relentless dedication, it’s undeniably evident that the enchantment held within each bottle will continue to weave its magic, sip by sip.