Loca Loka Secures $12.5 Million to Drive Global Expansion & Innovation

Loca Loka Secures $12.5 Million to Drive Global Expansion & Innovation

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 11, 2025

Loca Loka, the Singapore-based AlcoBev company, has secured $12.5 million from undisclosed investors in a Singapore-based family office. This funding marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey, fueling research and development for new product innovations, expanding its global presence, and solidifying its position as a pioneering tequila brand.

A Visionary Team Behind Loca Loka

Loca Loka is the brainchild of a dynamic trio:

  • Harsha Vadlamudi, a seasoned AlcoBev entrepreneur and CEO & Founder of Loca Loka
  • Rana Daggubati, renowned Indian actor and entrepreneur
  • Anirudh Ravichander, celebrated music composer and creative force

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Together, they have disrupted the tequila industry by merging craftsmanship, storytelling, and innovation to create a brand that resonates with global consumers.

Blending Mexican Heritage with Indian Flavors

Loca Loka made its debut in 2024 across the USA and Southeast Asia with two flagship products:

  • Tequila Blanco
  • Tequila Reposado

The brand quickly gained traction among tequila enthusiasts, blending the rich agave essence of Mexico with sweet and spicy notes inspired by Indian cuisine.

Investor Confidence & Market Potential

Harsha Vadlamudi, Founder and CEO of Loca Loka, emphasized the significance of the investment:

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"This funding round represents a pivotal moment in our journey at Loca Loka. As we navigate the dynamic and rapidly evolving global tequila landscape, this strategic investment validates our vision and the incredible potential of our brand portfolio."

With the global tequila market projected to grow from $14.13 billion in 2024 to $15.83 billion in 2025, and an anticipated CAGR of 5.26% through 2030, Loca Loka is well-positioned to tap into this growth. In India, the market is expected to grow at an even faster rate of 12.69% from 2025 to 2033, highlighting immense potential for premium tequila brands.

A Symphony of Craft, Music & Art

Rana Daggubati, Co-Founder of Loca Loka, reinforced this vision:
"At Loca Loka, our journey transcends traditional business metrics. Our success is a symphonic collaboration—driven by the brilliant minds shaping our brand every day. This funding brings in investors who share our passion for reimagining the global tequila landscape and turning market potential into tangible success."

Echoing the brand’s creative philosophy, Anirudh Ravichander, Co-Founder of Loca Loka, added:

"Money talks, but we're making it sing. With this infusion, we're turning up the volume on storytelling—where craft, music, and art collide to create something the world won't just watch, but feel."

Expanding Global Presence

Since launching in the USA in August 2024, Loca Loka has seen strong demand, expanding from its initial launch in Los Angeles, New York, and New Jersey to additional cities, including:

  • Dallas
  • Chicago
  • San Diego
  • Tampa
  • Jacksonville

In Southeast Asia, the brand made its entry through Singapore, where the rising demand for premium spirits presents a promising opportunity for growth.

Strategic Expansion Plans for 2025

Loca Loka is set to expand further in 2025, entering key international markets, including:image

  • UK
  • India
  • Dubai
  • Philippines
  • Indonesia
  • London

Additionally, the brand will deepen its presence in the USA, targeting Las Vegas, Miami, and Washington DC. Loca Loka is also making strides into global Travel Retail (Duty-Free), aligning with its vision of becoming a widely recognized tequila brand worldwide.

About Loca Loka

Loca Loka is a joint venture between:

  • Rana Daggubati (Indian film actor)
  • Anirudh Ravichander (music composer)
  • Harsha Vadlamudi (Managing Partner – Ironhill India)

The brand brings together tradition and innovation, offering handcrafted tequila that celebrates its Mexican roots while appealing to global palates. With a focus on quality, authenticity, and cross-cultural storytelling, Loca Loka is redefining the tequila industry.


SGF India Grows Stronger in Delhi-NCR with Three New Outlets

SGF India Grows Stronger in Delhi-NCR with Three New Outlets

By Hariharan U

Published on August 2, 2025

In a big step forward for its expansion, Spice Grill Flame (SGF) India has opened three new outlets in the Delhi-NCR region specifically in Greenfield (Faridabad), Bakhtawarpur, and Ramesh Nagar. Known for its spicy and flavour-packed vegetarian menu, SGF continues to strengthen its roots while gearing up for broader national and international presence.

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The brand, which kicked off in 2012 with just a single outlet in Delhi’s Ashok Vihar, was launched by Kewal Ahuja with a modest investment of ₹3 lakhs. Fast forward to today, and SGF proudly operates over 75 outlets across more than 20 Indian cities. These locations are strategically chosen on high-street spots to maximise visibility and customer access.

“From a single outlet in Ashok Vihar to now serving across 20 cities, SGF has always believed in scaling with purpose”, shared Kewal Ahuja, Founder of SGF India. “Our business model is built on three core principles: quality, customer service, and brand consistency, which continue to guide every expansion and innovation.”

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Looking ahead, SGF is planning to double its number of outlets within the coming year. The roadmap also includes stepping into global markets with a brand-new range of packaged food items. With a projected turnover of ₹23–24 crores for FY25, the company is aiming for a steady 10% growth this fiscal year.

One of SGF’s strongest appeals lies in its focus on vegetarian and vegan options—flavourful, fiery dishes that reflect the preferences of the modern Indian diner. The brand’s smooth franchise model and dependable quality make it a go-to name not just for customers, but for food entrepreneurs as well.


SnackPure Launches 5 Guilt-Free Chips to Redefine Snacking

SnackPure Launches 5 Guilt-Free Chips to Redefine Snacking

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 2, 2025

Nibblers, rejoice! SnackPure by Zuari International is giving snack time a makeover with the launch of five new guilt-free chip variants: Makhana Chips, Black Chana Chips, Mix Veg Chips, Corn Tikka Chips, and Brown Rice Chips. These exciting additions to the brand’s healthy snacking line bring flavour-packed indulgence without the guilt.

Known for redefining snacking with its nutritious and clean-label approach, SnackPure has created a crunchy, chatpata revolution that blends Indian street food charm with global flair. From the nostalgic warmth of Mix Veg Chips in Desi Masala to the spicy kick of Corn Tikka Chips with Peri Peri seasoning, this lineup is built to satisfy snack cravings for every mood and moment.

“We believe snacking should be fun, flavorful, and good for you. This new range reflects our commitment to bringing innovative, health-conscious options to today’s consumers without compromising on taste,” said Surjya Meher, COO of Zuari International. “Each product is inspired by both Indian street food and international trends to create something truly exciting for mindful snackers.”

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The Cream & Onion Makhana Chips offer a light yet satisfying crunch, ideal for social settings, while Black Chana Chips pack in protein-rich goodness with a tangy twist. With this launch, SnackPure has gone beyond traditional options to offer snacks that are rich in nutrients and free from artificial additives.

All five chip variants are affordably priced and available now on Amazon, Flipkart, and SnackPure’s official website.

With the rise in health-conscious eating, SnackPure is helping transform snacking into a mindful habit. The brand continues to innovate with superfoods like makhana, nutrient-rich legumes, and vegetables, delivering flavour without the guilt.

About Zuari International Limited:

Zuari International, the food arm of Zuari Industries Limited, was founded in 1995 under the vision of the late Dr. K.K. Birla. Known for delivering purity and quality through premium pantry staples, its contemporary brand SnackPure is designed for modern lifestyles, focusing on guilt-free, flavour-forward snacks. Through general trade, e-commerce, and quick commerce platforms, the company remains committed to making everyday eating better across Indian households.


DeVANS GianChand Manshaa Wins Big at ISW Germany, Crowned "International Whisky of the Year 2025"

DeVANS GianChand Manshaa Wins Big at ISW Germany, Crowned "International Whisky of the Year 2025"

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 1, 2025

In a landmark win for Indian spirits, DeVANS GianChand Manshaa has been crowned "International Whisky of the Year 2025" at the renowned Meininger’s International Spirits Award (ISW) held in Germany. The peated single malt not only secured the prestigious Grand Gold but also emerged as the top international whisky, outshining legendary competitors from whisky powerhouses like Scotland, Ireland, and the USA.

Out of 450 global spirit entries, only 11 earned the coveted Grand Gold, DeVANS GianChand Manshaa being the only Indian whisky to achieve this. This dual honour reflects the growing sophistication and recognition of Indian whiskies on a global platform.

The latest expression from DeVANS, GianChand Manshaa is the brand’s first peated single malt, crafted in the Himalayan region. The whisky impressed the international jury with its "long medicinal peat smoke, perfectly framed by citrus and spicy flavours." Esteemed whisky critic and author of the Whisky Bible, Jim Murray, praised it for its “charming smokiness, with peat in sparkling form.”

Crafted using pure Himalayan waters and shaped by the region’s distinct microclimate, GianChand Manshaa stands as a symbol of India’s potential in the premium single malt category. The win adds to the growing list of accolades for DeVANS, following their recent victories at the International Whisky Competition (IWC) in Las Vegas, where GianChand Adambaraa was named Best Indian Single Malt Whisky 2025 and Best Indian Whisky of the Year 2025.

“This prestigious Grand Gold and INTERNATIONAL WHISKY OF THE YEAR award at ISW Meininger, Germany 2025 is a great recognition of our passion, craft and commitment to quality,” said Prem Dewan, Chairman and Managing Director of DeVANS. “It’s not only a victory for DeVANS, but also a recognition of India’s growing role in the global whisky space.”

Speaking on the brand's journey, Dewan added, “GianChand Manshaa and GianChand Adambaraa represent two facets of our legacy, one bold and peated, the latter refined and elegant. Their success is a tribute to our team’s hard work and a reaffirmation of India’s place in the world of single malts.”

Currently available in Delhi and Hyderabad duty-free, both GianChand expressions will soon hit retail shelves in Haryana and Goa. These achievements underline DeVANS’ commitment to excellence and its vision to elevate Indian whisky to global acclaim.

For whisky lovers and industry insiders alike, this moment is not just a triumph, it’s a proud celebration of the craftsmanship and innovation coming out of India’s distilleries today.

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