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.


Ayana Rooftop Restaurant Opens at Udaipur Marriott Hotel

Ayana Rooftop Restaurant Opens at Udaipur Marriott Hotel

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 20, 2025

Udaipur Marriott Hotel has unveiled Ayana, its newest rooftop dining destination, offering guests a transcendent culinary journey set against the shimmering lakes and Aravalli Hills. True to its name, which means “the path,” Ayana guides diners through an immersive experience that begins with its serene poolside ambiance and culminates with indulgent desserts.

The restaurant’s design harmoniously blends contemporary Indian aesthetics with natural materials, oversized cushions, glowing lanterns, and curated world music, creating an atmosphere that is both vibrant and serene. The panoramic rooftop views add a magical dimension to every visit.

Ayana’s menu celebrates India’s royal culinary legacy, drawing inspiration from the Northwest Frontier and the regal kitchens of Rajasthan. Each dish is crafted with precision, honouring its origins while presenting a modern twist. The bar complements the menu with artisanal cocktails infused with Indian botanicals, spices, and local flavours, alongside a curated selection of fine wines and craft beers.

Designed for intimate dinners, celebratory gatherings, and exclusive events, Ayana offers a mix of communal seating, semi-private corners, and open decks. The restaurant is also deeply committed to sustainability, prioritizing locally sourced seasonal produce, plant-forward innovations, minimal food waste, energy-efficient kitchens, and elimination of single-use plastics.

Executive Chef Mohit Mishra commented on the launch:

“We are thrilled to officially welcome guests to Ayana. Our vision was to create more than just a restaurant, we wanted to craft a journey where each dish tells a story, each flavour evokes tradition, and every detail reflects India’s rich culinary heritage.”

Vaibhav Sagar, General Manager, added:

“Ayana is designed to be an immersive experience, not just a dining venue. From the sweeping rooftop views to the thoughtfully curated menu and serene yet vibrant ambiance, every element has been meticulously crafted to create lasting memories for both travellers and locals seeking a refined night out.”

Ayana promises to be a destination for culinary discovery, offering diners a seamless blend of tradition, innovation, and unforgettable experiences atop one of Udaipur’s most scenic rooftops.


1.5 Degree Expands Plant-Based Portfolio with New Beverages, Sundaes, Kulfi, and Popsicles

1.5 Degree Expands Plant-Based Portfolio with New Beverages, Sundaes, Kulfi, and Popsicles

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 18, 2025

1.5 Degree, India’s leading plant-based dairy alternative brand, has unveiled an exciting new range of signature beverages, frozen sundaes, traditional kulfis, and refreshing popsicles this festive season. The announcement comes on the heels of the company securing seed funding from BITS Pilani and being recognised among its top emerging startups.

The new collection reflects 1.5 Degree’s philosophy of combining indulgence with responsibility. Designed for the conscious consumer, the range features sugar-free café-style beverages like Kesar Badam, Salted Pistachio, Hazelnut Coffee, and Cold Vegan Tea, crafted for refreshing, guilt-free sips.

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The Frozen Sundaes promise rich, layered indulgence in flavours like Salted Peanut Butter and Nutty Choco Fudge, while the Kulfi Collection, also sugar-free, reimagines the classic Indian favourite with plant-based innovation. The Popsicle lineup includes fruity and tangy favourites such as Chilly Guava, Jamun, and Shikanji, complemented by rotating seasonal sorbets for an extra-refreshing twist.

“At 1.5 Degree, we believe in indulgence without compromise,” said Vedansh Goyal, Founder of 1.5Degree.co. “With the overwhelming response to our gelatos, this new range brings familiar Indian favourites like kulfi and shikanji into the plant-based space, while also offering global café-style beverages, now with sugar-free options that keep taste front and centre.”

All products are 100% plant-based, dairy-free, lactose-free, and cholesterol-free, made using natural ingredients without artificial additives or preservatives. Ethically sourced and responsibly produced, the brand reinforces its mission to support a cooler planet while offering full-flavoured experiences.

1.5 Degree’s new offerings are available across Delhi NCR and Mumbai through select retail outlets, quick-commerce platforms, kiosks, and cloud kitchens. Orders can also be placed online via Swiggy, Zomato, or directly at 1.5degree.co.

Founded with a vision to make plant-based indulgence mainstream, 1.5 Degree continues to expand its product line with an aim to merge taste, sustainability, and innovation, one scoop and sip at a time.


BarQat Returns to JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar with a Celebration of Abundance

BarQat Returns to JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar with a Celebration of Abundance

By Hariharan U

Published on October 16, 2025

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar has opened the doors to its latest dining experience, BarQat, a restaurant that reimagines India’s rich culinary traditions through the lens of heritage and innovation. Meaning “abundance” in Urdu, BarQat captures the spirit of generosity and connection through food, celebrating regional flavours from Kashmir, Lucknow, Bhopal, and Hyderabad.

Designed as a culinary journey along India’s historical route, BarQat brings together the nuanced flavours and stories of these four regions, each offering its own interpretation of classic dishes. The restaurant’s philosophy is simple yet profound, to honour heirloom recipes while giving them a contemporary touch. Every dish tells a story of how shared roots evolved into diverse traditions across India’s culinary landscape.

Speaking about the relaunch, Sachin Mylavarapu, General Manager at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, said, “At JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, we believe true luxury is found in abundance — abundance of flavour, culture, connection, and celebration. The relaunch of BarQat embodies this philosophy. We've created a space where Straight-line Cuisine comes to life and the abundance of India's culinary heritage unfolds through heirloom recipes passed down through generations. Here, every gathering becomes an opportunity to foster deeper bonds with loved ones. From the lavish spread of regional delicacies to the warm embrace of shared meals, BarQat is designed for those special moments of togetherness. It's about celebrating abundance in every form — on your plate, in your conversations, and in the memories you create.”

Open daily from 7:00 PM to midnight, BarQat offers guests a place to unwind, celebrate, and savour the flavours of India’s most storied kitchens. With its rich textures, soulful aromas, and immersive storytelling, BarQat promises a dining experience that feels both timeless and contemporary.

Guests can reserve their tables by calling +91 7710009250 or visiting www.jwmumbai.com.

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