Saurabh Munjal: The Visionary Behind Lahori Zeera and His Ambitious Growth Plans
The Birth of Lahori Zeera
The idea behind Lahori Zeera was born out of a simple yet powerful observation: while there were a few major players in the Indian drinks market, the space for homegrown "desi" beverages was largely untapped. Inspired by Indian cuisine and street food, the team decided to create a brand that would resonate with the masses. As Saurabh Munjal explains, "We chose to maintain a traditional moniker for our drinks because the Indian cuisine and street food of this nation serve as the inspiration for our whole product line. Rock salt, also known as Lahori, is another essential component in the majority of our recipes. That is how the term 'Lahori' was coined.”
Rapid Growth and Expansion
From its humble beginnings in Mohali, Lahori Zeera has expanded its footprint significantly. The brand, which was initially popular in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, has now extended its reach to eight additional states as of 2022. The brand’s commitment to quality and authentic taste has garnered it a loyal customer base, making it a household name in North India.
Lahori Zeera's growth trajectory is impressive. The company currently produces over 20 lakh bottles daily, a testament to its popularity. In 2022, Verlinvest, a well-known investment firm, recognized the brand’s potential and invested $15 million, further fueling its expansion. The company’s revenue soared from Rs 80 crore in FY 2021 to an astounding Rs 250 crore in FY 2022. And this is just the beginning—Lahori Zeera aims to reach Rs 1000 crore in revenue in the coming years.
The Entrepreneurial Journey of Saurabh Munjal
Born into a family of entrepreneurs in Punjab, Saurabh Munjal’s journey in business seems almost predestined. Growing up in an environment where business discussions were a staple at the dinner table, Saurabh naturally developed a keen sense of entrepreneurship. His family owns a regulated B2B pharma company, and this background provided him with invaluable insights into running a business.
Saurabh’s educational background is equally impressive. He completed his schooling at St. Stephen's School and pursued a Bachelor of Commerce degree at Punjab University. To further hone his business acumen, Saurabh earned an MBA from the Management Development Institute of Singapore, where he also completed a course in entrepreneurship. This diverse educational experience has played a crucial role in shaping his approach to business.
The Big Plan Ahead
With Lahori Zeera already making waves in the Indian market, Saurabh Munjal has his eyes set on even bigger goals. The company is gearing up for massive growth, with plans to further expand its product line and geographical reach. The goal is clear: to make Lahori a nationally recognized brand and eventually tap into international markets. With the current trajectory, Lahori Zeera is well on its way to becoming a Rs 1000 crore powerhouse in the beverage industry.
Final Thoughts
Saurabh Munjal’s journey from a young entrepreneur in Punjab to the co-founder of a rapidly growing beverage brand is nothing short of inspiring. His story is a testament to the power of vision, determination, and the ability to see potential where others might not. As Lahori Zeera continues to expand, it’s clear that Saurabh Munjal and his team are just getting started, with big plans that are sure to leave a lasting impact on the industry.