Mumbai-based cold-pressed juice brand, The Fresh Press has raised a Pre-Series A round from Gruhas Collective Consumer Fund (GCCF). The brand was co-founded by Mithil Lodha and Rahul Jain, where actor-entrepreneur Dino Morea came on board as both an investor and co-founder.
Since its inception in 2018, the company has established over 36 stores nationwide. The brand has strategically partnered with PVR, INOX, and Reliance to strengthen its market presence and accessibility to a larger audience, the company said in a statement.
Nikhil Kamath, Co-founder Gruhas, “Our commitment to The Fresh Press reflects our support for the growing health consciousness among Indian consumers. As people become more mindful about what they eat, I want to support innovative homegrown entrepreneurs who are leading the charge in the health and consumer sectors. It's time we take control of our own well-being and pay attention to our nutrition intake. The Fresh Press has done incredibly well over the years, and we are committed to helping them expand even further.”
As of March this year, The Fresh Press is also a part of the first cohort of Gruhas Gusto- a FoodTech accelerator programme by Gruhas, Jubilant Family Office, DLF Family Office, and Anthill Ventures.
In the coming months, the brand aims to expand its market presence in Southern cities such as Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Chennai, while also targeting key regions like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Delhi for nationwide coverage. The goal is to establish 1000 Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) stores, solidifying The Fresh Press's position as a leading juice brand in India, committed to offering 100 per cent natural, sustainable products for a healthy lifestyle, the company added.
Globally, the cold-pressed juices market is expected to reach $1.5 billion by 2030, growing at a rate of 7.54 per cent annually. In India, the market is booming with a staggering 25.43 per cent growth rate from 2021 to 2028, fueled by increasing retail presence and consumer demand for nutritious fruit juices. With a growing focus on health and a decline in the popularity of colas and carbonated beverages, there is an evident trend toward healthier options.
Regarding the investment, Dino Morea stated, “We aim to utilise it as effectively as possible and maximize results for smoother operations.” Adding to this, Mithil Lodha, co-founder The Fresh Press said, "Our vision is exponential growth, becoming a prominent name in the healthy beverage industry.”
