Lahori Jeera: The Desi Drink Disrupting Indian Beverage Market

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In a market long dominated by multinational giants like Coca-Cola and Pepsi, few would have predicted that a simple kitchen experiment in Punjab would give rise to one of India’s fastest-growing beverage brands. Lahori Jeera, the flagship product of Archian Foods, is now a household name, celebrated for its authentic cumin-flavored fizz and its remarkable journey from local favorite to national phenomenon.

Founders & Origin Story

The story begins in 2017, when three cousins—Saurabh Munjal, Nikhil Doda, and Saurabh Bhutna—recognized a gap in the Indian beverage market for traditional, natural, and flavorful drinks. Inspired by a homemade jeera (cumin) concoction, they set out to bottle the taste of nostalgia and Indian culinary heritage. The brand name “Lahori” was chosen to evoke authenticity and cultural resonance, referencing the rich food traditions of the subcontinent.

Product Innovation & Market Positioning

Lahori Jeera’s unique selling proposition lies in its blend of handpicked cumin seeds, natural spices, and balanced carbonation. Unlike conventional soft drinks laden with artificial flavors, Lahori Zeera offers a refreshing alternative that appeals to health-conscious consumers and those seeking a taste of home. The drink’s floating spice particles and distinctive taste profile set it apart from anything else on the shelves.

The company didn’t stop at jeera. Its product portfolio has expanded to include other Indian favorites like Nimboo (lemon), Kacha Aam (raw mango), Shikanji, Imli Banta, and Masala Cola—each designed to capture the essence of Indian street beverages.

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Business Growth & Financial Milestones

  • By 2022, the company was producing over 2 million bottles daily, expanding from its initial stronghold in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh to 18 states and over 2,000 distributors.
  • Net revenue soared from ₹80 crore in 2021 to ₹250 crore in 2022, and further to ₹312 crore in 2023. The company closed FY25 at over ₹525 crore and is targeting ₹1,000 crore in revenue for FY26.
  • The brand is now available in more than 500,000 retail outlets and sells over 5 million bottles daily during peak summer months.
  • Lahori Zeera has attracted significant investment, including a major funding round led by Verlinvest, positioning it for further expansion and innovation.

Manufacturing & Distribution

To meet growing demand and ensure nationwide reach, Lahori Zeera has invested in new manufacturing plants, including a major facility in Vapi to serve western and eastern India. Its robust distribution network—now over 1,600 strong—has been a key driver of its rapid market penetration.

Impact & Future Outlook

As the Indian non-alcoholic beverage market is projected to reach ₹2.10 lakh crore by 2029, Lahori Zeera is well-positioned to become a pan-India—and potentially global—brand, championing the flavors of India on the world stage.

“If traditional cola brands can achieve billion-dollar sales in India, there’s no reason why an Indian-origin ethnic beverage brand can’t do the same,” says co-founder Nikhil Doda.

Lahori Jeera isn’t just a drink—it’s a movement, bottling the taste of India’s past and future in every fizzy sip.

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