Much like its culinary landscape, India’s beverage industry is a spectrum of flavours—vivid, diverse, and deeply rooted in tradition. In a market saturated with cola giants and international brands, one homegrown label has stirred up a refreshing storm by bringing a slice of nostalgia to modern palates. Lahori Zeera isn’t just a drink; it’s a celebration of India’s heritage, served in a bottle. At the helm of this revolution is Nikhil Doda, with his two cousins, Saurabh Munjal and Saurabh Bhutna, who dared to reimagine the beverage segment with a classic Indian twist. Recognising the lack of organised players in the homegrown desi beverage market—apart from a handful of dominant brands—their Mohali-based startup introduced its venture, Lahori.
“We (Founder & Co-Founders) observed that the ethnic Indian drinks segment was largely untapped. While age-old flavours existed, there was no brand focused on bringing them to the forefront. We saw this as a white space and decided to seize the opportunity”, said Nikhil Doda.
From Kiwi Beginnings to Desi Dreams
Nikhil’s professional journey began far from India, in New Zealand’s food industry. As a Store Manager at Subway Foods, he sharpened his operational and managerial skills, gaining insights into the intricacies of running a successful business. However, his entrepreneurial spirit soon called him back to India, where he embarked on his first venture: a commercial project along National Highway 21.
This venture featured a restaurant, hotel, and outlets of global F&B brands, providing Nikhil with invaluable experience in scaling operations, understanding consumer preferences, and building brands. Yet, it wasn’t just business acumen that drove him—it was a desire to create something uniquely Indian. This product would resonate with the cultural and culinary identity of the nation.
The Birth of Lahori Zeera: A ‘Desi’ Revolution
In 2016, Nikhil, alongside his co-founders, identified a glaring gap in India’s beverage market. While international cola brands dominated shelves, there was a noticeable absence of authentic Indian drinks in the mainstream. Beyond just nostalgia, the idea of Lahori Zeera was about innovation. It set out to modernise traditional drinks like jeera soda, transforming them into premium yet accessible beverages that appealed to a younger, more urban audience. Starting with a modest manufacturing facility, the founders focused on creating a product that married authenticity with convenience.
What Sets Lahori Zeera Apart?
Lahori Zeera is more than just a drink; it’s an experience. The flagship product combines traditional Indian spices like cumin, black pepper, and dry ginger with carbonation, creating a unique blend of tangy, spicy, and refreshing flavours.
“Our formulation is what truly sets us apart,” explains Nikhil. “It’s indulgence on the go, but with the added goodness of Indian condiments. The salt, sugar, and lemon juice act as natural electrolytes, making it both tasty and functional.”
As the brand grew, Lahori Zeera expanded its portfolio to include other ethnic favourites like Shikanji, Kacha Aam, Masala Cola, and Imli Banta. However, the original Lahori Zeera remains the undisputed star of the lineup, loved for its authentic taste and nostalgic appeal.
A National Phenomenon
The journey to success was not without its challenges. Scaling a brand rooted in traditional flavours required meticulous planning, especially in a market saturated with international players. Nikhil reflects, “One of the biggest hurdles was establishing a robust distribution network. We started small, experimenting in regional markets to fine-tune our product and strategy before scaling up.”
Lahori Zeera is in 18 states today, with over 2,000 distributors and 500,000 retail outlets. During peak summers, the brand sells an astonishing 5 million bottles daily, reflecting its widespread appeal. To ensure consistency and quality, Lahori Zeera implemented state-of-the-art quality control measures. “Our centralised manufacturing units, equipped with advanced QA/QC systems, ensure that every bottle delivers the same authentic taste, no matter where it’s sold,” says Nikhil.
A Billion-Dollar Vision
For Nikhil, the success of Lahori Zeera is just the beginning. The company is exploring new horizons with a vision to become India’s largest non-cola beverage brand. Plans include expanding production capabilities, diversifying into non-carbonated drinks, and introducing innovative ethnic flavours.
“Today, desi is mainstream,” Nikhil says with conviction. “Unlike western colas, which are acquired tastes, Indian flavours like tangy and chatpata are part of our cultural DNA. This gives us a natural advantage in connecting with consumers.”
But it’s not just about business growth. Nikhil is deeply committed to giving back, supporting young entrepreneurs in the FMCG sector, and fostering a culture of collaboration. Whether it’s hiring for the sales team, discussing offline distribution strategies, or exploring entertainment collaborations, Nikhil remains hands-on in every aspect of the business.
