Lahori Zeera: The Rising Star of India's Beverage Market

Lahori Zeera, a new beverage brand, is rapidly gaining traction in India's Tier 2 and 3 cities, challenging established American soft drinks. Founded by three cousins in 2017, the brand has grown from a Rs 19 crore startup to a Rs 2,800 crore powerhouse. With plans to expand into the UAE and a strong foothold in North India, Lahori Zeera is set to redefine the beverage landscape. The company has reported impressive revenue growth and aims for even higher targets in the coming years. Learn more about their journey and future aspirations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 18, 2026, 14:51 IST

Lahori Zeera's Meteoric Rise

A new beverage brand, Lahori Zeera, has quickly gained popularity in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, effectively replacing traditional American soft drinks as the preferred summer refreshment. Founded in 2017 by three cousins—Saurabh Munjal, Saurabh Bhutna, and Nikhil Doda—the company began with a loan of Rs 19 crore and has since transformed into a beverage giant valued at Rs 2,800 crore, significantly impacting India's Rs 60,000 crore soft drink market.

Lahori Zeera is now expanding its reach internationally, particularly targeting the UAE market. The jeera-based drinks are produced by Archian Foods, which reported revenues of approximately Rs 775 crore for the fiscal year 2026, with an EBITDA of Rs 60 crore. The company aims to achieve revenues between Rs 1,200-1,300 crore by FY27, as stated by co-founder Nikhil Doda.

Recent financial results indicate a remarkable 73% year-on-year increase in revenue, climbing from Rs 312 crore in FY24 to Rs 540 crore in FY25. Employee benefit expenses also surged by 49% to Rs 40 crore in FY25, while costs for contractual employees rose significantly. The procurement costs, which represent the largest expense category, increased by over 70% to Rs 316 crore in FY25, reflecting the company's expanded operations.

Initially starting with a modest team of 20, Lahori Zeera has grown to employ over 1,800 individuals and contract workers. The brand has established a strong presence in North India, boasting a double-digit market share in states like Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Himachal Pradesh. Looking ahead, Doda mentioned that South India is the next target market, with plans for a co-packing unit in Bengaluru to facilitate expansion into Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana this summer.

To date, Lahori Zeera has successfully raised around $46 million through three funding rounds, including a notable Rs 200 crore investment from Motilal Oswal last May, which has valued the company at approximately Rs 2,800 crore post-allotment. Motilal Oswal now holds a 7.14% stake, while existing investor Verlinvest retains 19.64%. The founders' ownership has adjusted from 76.21% to 70.76%.

The Inspiration Behind Lahori Zeera

How Lahori Zeera Started?

Growing up in Punjab, the three cousins fondly remember enjoying goli soda with black salt and jeera, which provided a unique flavor profile. They realized that popular drinks in India, such as Coke, Thums Up, and Pepsi, lacked these distinctive ingredients. Recognizing this gap in the market, they aimed to introduce a new flavor to Indian consumers.

Before settling on Lahori Zeera, they explored various options but ultimately focused on Indian beverages, believing the category had significant growth potential. They began their venture with refurbished second-hand machinery and conducted informal tasting sessions, targeting local kirana store owners, roadside tea stall vendors, college students, and auto drivers.