Top Beverage Startups in India: Product and Growth Review
India’s beverage industry has entered a transformative phase in recent years. Homegrown startups have rapidly emerged with disruptive ideas, innovative flavors, health-focused ingredients, and modern branding strategies. As consumer preferences shift toward organic, low-sugar, functional, and ready-to-drink options, these startups have rewritten the rules of the game. Unlike traditional beverage players, these agile companies focus on quality, sustainability, and direct engagement with evolving urban consumers.
This article reviews some of the top beverage startups in India, evaluates their product portfolios, and analyzes their growth strategies.
1. Paper Boat (Hector Beverages)
Founded: 2009
Founders: Neeraj Kakkar and Neeraj Biyani
Headquarters: Bengaluru
Product Focus:
Paper Boat reintroduced Indian nostalgia through beverages. The startup launched traditional drinks like Aam Panna, Jaljeera, and Chikki Juice in convenient ready-to-drink tetra packs and bottles. It avoided synthetic preservatives and colors, promoting natural ingredients and a homely taste.
Growth and Strategy:
Paper Boat secured early funding from Sequoia Capital and Sofina. Its marketing campaigns emphasized emotional connections and childhood memories, which struck a chord with consumers. The company scaled rapidly through strong retail distribution, online presence, and airport kiosks. Paper Boat’s annual revenue crossed ₹200 crore by FY23, and it continues to expand with new flavors and snack offerings.
2. Bira 91 (B9 Beverages)
Founded: 2015
Founder: Ankur Jain
Headquarters: New Delhi
Product Focus:
Bira 91 disrupted India’s beer market with a flavorful, easy-drinking craft beer range. It introduced variants like Blonde Lager, White Ale, and Boom Strong. With funky packaging and urban appeal, Bira 91 directly appealed to young professionals and millennials.
Growth and Strategy:
The startup raised over $100 million from investors like Sequoia Capital, Sofina, and Kirin Holdings. Bira 91 scaled distribution to 550 towns and entered international markets including the US and Singapore. It launched taprooms and a merchandise line to enhance its lifestyle brand value. With production facilities in multiple states, the company aims to become the largest premium beer brand in India.
3. Sleepy Owl
Founded: 2016
Founders: Arman Sood, Ashwajeet Singh, and Ajai Thandi
Headquarters: New Delhi
Product Focus:
Sleepy Owl launched India’s first direct-to-consumer cold brew coffee brand. The product range includes cold brew bottles, ready-to-drink cans, hot brew bags, and instant coffee. Its emphasis on specialty-grade Arabica beans and zero preservatives appealed to health-conscious, urban consumers.
Growth and Strategy:
The startup used social media and influencer marketing to build a loyal following. It expanded across major e-commerce platforms and opened a presence in top supermarkets. Sleepy Owl raised over $10 million in funding and posted double-digit growth year-on-year. With rising demand for home-brewed premium coffee, the brand continues to innovate with new flavors and seasonal editions.
4. Raw Pressery
Founded: 2013
Founder: Anuj Rakyan
Headquarters: Mumbai
Product Focus:
Raw Pressery introduced India to cold-pressed juices. It emphasized pure, preservative-free beverages made from fresh fruits and vegetables. The portfolio includes juices, smoothies, almond milk, and protein shakes. The products cater to the fitness and wellness segment.
Growth and Strategy:
Raw Pressery built a strong base among gyms, airports, and premium retail chains. It maintained a cold supply chain and focused on high-margin, high-quality products. In 2021, Wingreens Farms acquired Raw Pressery to consolidate its health-focused product portfolio. The brand now targets Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities with an expanded health drink range.
5. Storia Foods and Beverages
Founded: 2017
Founder: Vishal Shah
Headquarters: Mumbai
Product Focus:
Storia entered the beverage space with thick shakes and fruit juices. Its range included mango, chocolate, and coffee shakes alongside 100% natural juices and smoothies. The company used recyclable packaging and emphasized no added preservatives.
Growth and Strategy:
Storia clocked strong growth through partnerships with modern trade and QSR outlets. Its packaging and visual identity created strong shelf appeal. The startup recently entered the dairy alternative segment with plant-based drinks, targeting the lactose-intolerant and vegan segments. Storia continues to invest in R&D for expanding its ready-to-drink portfolio.
6. Brewhouse Ice Tea
Founded: 2017
Founder: Siddharth Jain
Headquarters: Gurugram
Product Focus:
Brewhouse produces premium iced teas brewed from real whole tea leaves. The range includes flavors like classic lemon, peach, blueberry, and honey lemon. The brand positions itself as an alternative to carbonated soft drinks and sugary beverages.
Growth and Strategy:
Brewhouse targeted health-conscious youth seeking functional yet tasty beverages. The startup secured distribution across top urban outlets and grew its online footprint through Amazon, BigBasket, and Blinkit. With rising awareness of clean-label products, Brewhouse has steadily expanded in metro cities.
7. Nutrizoe
Founded: 2020
Founders: Richa Pendake and Niraj Pendake
Headquarters: Mumbai
Product Focus:
Nutrizoe focuses on nutrition-enriched beverages for women, especially during pregnancy and postnatal phases. Products like “Lactobite” (a lactation-support drink) and “Fertiboost” cater to a niche but growing demand for personalized wellness solutions.
Growth and Strategy:
The startup combined medical research with functional nutrition to design beverages. It created a strong online D2C presence and partnered with gynecologists and maternity clinics for awareness. Nutrizoe has positioned itself uniquely by targeting women’s health in a traditionally underserved category.
8. Beyond Water
Founded: 2021
Founders: Ankur Chawla and Gaurav Gite
Headquarters: Gurugram
Product Focus:
Beyond Water sells liquid water enhancers that infuse regular water with vitamins, electrolytes, and flavors. It encourages higher hydration by turning plain water into a flavorful, functional drink.
Growth and Strategy:
The brand capitalized on India’s growing need for on-the-go health and immunity solutions. It secured shelf space in major pharmacies, health stores, and online marketplaces. With strong visual branding and a wellness pitch, Beyond Water has expanded rapidly in health-conscious urban markets.
9. Svami Drinks
Founded: 2016
Founders: Sahil Jatana, Aneesh Bhasin, and Rahul Mehra
Headquarters: Mumbai
Product Focus:
Svami produces premium tonic waters, ginger ales, sparkling waters, and non-alcoholic mixers. Its low-sugar, sophisticated beverages pair well with spirits and also appeal to teetotalers seeking refined, adult non-alcoholic drinks.
Growth and Strategy:
Svami filled a major gap in India’s underdeveloped premium mixer segment. It collaborated with top bars and hotels and gained distribution in premium retail. With clean branding and international quality, Svami scaled to become a leading mixer brand in India. It now exports to Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Conclusion
India’s beverage startup ecosystem has evolved from being taste-driven to becoming lifestyle- and wellness-oriented. These companies no longer compete solely on flavors or price. Instead, they build holistic brand narratives around health, nostalgia, personalization, and convenience. Several of them have already attracted international investors, acquired large domestic market shares, and innovated in packaging, sourcing, and distribution.
The future looks promising. As more consumers choose sustainable, functional, and honest beverages, Indian startups will continue leading the change. With expanding product categories—ranging from craft coffee to functional water—these companies hold the potential to shape not just India’s beverage market, but influence global consumer choices as well.
