Punjab-based beverage startup Lahori has raised US$15 million funding from Belgium-based consumer-focused investor Verlinvest for an undisclosed minority stake. Lahori will use the funds to double down on its brand’s growth through offline and online expansion and enhance its national presence in retail chains. The fresh fund will also be utilized to develop and launch new category-creating products.
Lahori is a startup with a vision to introduce better-tasting, category-defining ‘Desi’ drinks in India, targeting people in Indian cities and villages alike. They are bringing their products to every individual who likes to enjoy ‘ghar ki desi drink.’ The business plans to expand its presence across India in the next three years. The capital raised in this round will expand production capacity and accelerate branding and marketing efforts.
Verlinvest is a leading global, family-owned evergreen investment group with multi-billion dollar assets under management backed by families who have together built one of the world’s largest consumer beverage businesses. Verlinvest has invested in several beverage firms globally, supporting multiple billion-dollar brands such as Oatly, Vita Coco, and Hint Water. It also counts brands such as Sula, Veeba, Epigamia, Byju’s, Purplle, and Wakefit among its portfolio in India.
Lahori to provide Indian consumers with the best taste
Speaking on occasion, Saurabh Munjal, co-founder and chief executive officer at Lahori, said, “We are delighted to partner with Verlinvest in our journey to become a widely loved beverage brand in the country. We want to give Indian consumers beverage options that resonate with their taste palette. We know that the ethnic beverages market in India is underserved, and we have the vision to become a prominent force in this space.”
Shagun Tiwary Shah, investor, Verlinvest, said, “Given the legacy of our Belgian family shareholders, beverages are a core focus area for us. Lahori has become a dominant player in the space in a very short time, creating a product loved by the masses. Lahori stood out for its taste, product innovation, and customer pull among all the beverage companies we have seen so far in India. We are excited to work with them on their next leg of growth.”
