March 2, 2016

One year after raising $1.8 million from Sequoia Capital, Mumbai-based, beverage startup Rakyan Beverages Pvt Ltd, which sells cold-pressed juices under the brand name, RAW Pressery, has raised a $4.5 million in a Series B round of fundraising from Saama Capital, DSG Consumer Partners, and Sequoia Capital, according to Deal Street Asia.

Founded in 2014 by Anuj Rakyan, RAW Pressery sells its juices, which come in flavors including apple, beetroot, ginger, carrot, and lemon and are made without the use of preservatives, additives, or added sugars, in seven cities – Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Pune, Gurgaon, Chennai, Hyderabad. However, the brand also provides a subscription service that will deliver its juices to the door of registered customers.

The company states that it plans to use the funds from this round to increase production capacity, launch new flavors, and to develop campaigns that will increase the brands presence in the market as it strives to expand its sales to 12 cities within 2016/2017, according to Tropical Post.

“With this fund-raise we aim to make our fresh beverages more accessible, available and affordable. We will add eight more juices and smoothies ranging from Rs 50 to Rs 150 to cater to our young conscious audience,” Rakyan said, reports VC Circle.

In India, cold-pressed juice is still an urban-focused, niche segment, although a fast-growing one. The category of hot and cold beverages in India is currently worth $15 billion, and is growing at 11% per year, and RAW Pressery is currently vying for market share against rivals including Juicifix, JusDivine, Antidote, and Juice Up, and larger firms including PepsiCo India Holdings, Coca Cola India and ITC Ltd.

“Globally, the category of cold-pressed juices and all-natural beverages is growing very fast and has huge potential. After much diligence, we found RAW to have the best product in India by far,” said Ash Lilani, managing partner and co-founder of Saama Capital, reports Tropical Post.