Lahori Zeera success story: How three Cousins built over Rs 300 crore empire from Rs 10 desi drink
The success story of Lahori Zeera began not in a big corporate office, but in a small home kitchen in Punjab. Three cousins - Saurabh Munjal, Saurabh Bhutna, and Nikhil Doda - joined hands to create a drink that would soon become a household name. What started as a simple experiment with cumin (zeera) turned into an over Rs 300 crore business empire.
It was Nikhil Doda who first came up with the idea of a zeera-based beverage. After trying out a homemade version using common kitchen ingredients, he shared it with his cousins. The unique taste caught their attention, and the trio quickly realised its potential. They set up Archian Foods Pvt. Ltd. in Fatehgarh, Punjab, in 2017 to bring their desi drink to the masses.
Lahori Zeera: A Hit From Day One
Their first product, Lahori Zeera, was an instant success. Packed with traditional flavours like cumin, black pepper, dry ginger, lemon, and sendha namak (rock salt), the fizzy drink gave a fresh twist to Indian classics. Consumers loved its natural, chemical-free ingredients, especially at a time when health-conscious choices were gaining popularity.
Unlike regular soft drinks filled with artificial chemicals, Lahori Zeera stood out for its authentic taste and use of natural spices. The drink became a healthier and affordable alternative, all for just Rs 10 per bottle.
Inspired by Indian Kitchens and Street Food Culture
According to Saurabh Munjal, the CEO of Lahori Zeera, the brand draws inspiration from traditional Indian kitchens and the flavours of local street food. The name 'Lahori' was chosen for its connection to Lahori Namak, a kind of rock salt often used in Indian recipes.
Lahori Zeera, along with other variants like Lahori Nimbu, Lahori Kacha Aam, and Lahori Shikanji, all carry a strong desi identity. These beverages are rooted in the familiar tastes of Indian households and aim to revive local flavours in a modern format.
Massive Growth and Expansion Across India
From humble beginnings, the brand has grown at lightning speed. In the early days, their facility in Rupnagar, Punjab, produced 96,000 bottles per day. By 2022, this number grew to 1.2 million bottles daily. In 2023, they reached a whopping 2 million bottles per day.
Lahori Zeera is now sold in 18 states and available at over five lakh retail outlets across India. With the help of more than 2,000 distributors, the brand sells over 50 lakh bottles every day during peak summer months - a clear sign of how much India loves its desi drinks.
Aiming for Rs 1,000 Crore Revenue
In the interview with 30stades, co-founder Nikhil Doda shared that the company recorded Rs 312 crore in net revenue in 2024. This year, they expected to cross Rs 525 crore, showing a growth of over 68%. Their ambitious target for FY26? A staggering Rs 1,000 crore in revenue.
This success is remarkable, considering the trio started with a drink priced at just Rs 10. Their focus on affordability and quality has helped them capture the price-sensitive Indian market without cutting corners.
Why Lahori Zeera Stands Out in a Crowded Market
The Indian non-alcoholic beverage industry is massive, valued at Rs 1.37 lakh crore in 2023, and is expected to grow to Rs 2.10 lakh crore by 2029. While most big players focused on colas and energy drinks, Saurabh Munjal, Saurabh Bhutna, and Nikhil Doda saw a golden opportunity in ethnic Indian drinks.
They stepped into a space that was largely ignored, bringing something new yet rooted in culture. By sticking to natural ingredients and flavours people already loved, Lahori Zeera quickly became a favourite.
Awards, Recognition, and the Road Ahead
The success story of Lahori Zeera hasn't just brought in money - it's also won them praise and awards. The company has been recognised as the 'Best Startup', 'Iconic Retail Brand', and even bagged the IAA Award for Best Ad Film.
More importantly, they've created a brand that millions of Indians relate to. Their story is a powerful example of how traditional ideas, when packaged right, can challenge giants and win hearts.
The journey of Lahori Zeera - led by cousins Saurabh Munjal, Saurabh Bhutna, and Nikhil Doda - is nothing short of inspirational. With just a Rs 10 bottle and a bold idea, they built a Rs 500 crore business rooted in Indian flavours. This is not just a success story - it's a revolution in the world of Indian beverages.
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