Once written off by many, the startup today has become a perfect example of how food and beverage businesses should be built in India.
For years, it seemed Hector Beverages had struck gold. Paper Boat, the Bengaluru-based beverage startup’s line of packaged drinks launched in 2013, was wildly popular in the big cities. It simultaneously invoked nostalgia and novelty with local Indian flavours like aam panna and jaljeera as well as standout packaging.
Paper Boat was hailed as a disruptor in a sector until then dominated by apple, mango and orange juices. For Hector Beverages, founded in 2009 by former Coca-Cola executive Neeraj Kakkar, it was a win after two mediocre attempts (a protein-water drink called Frissia and an energy drink called Tzinga). On …
Harveen is a co-founder at The Morning Context, and leads our Internet coverage, overseeing a team of reporters writing on startups and tech. She has previously worked as a media, consumer and tech reporter at The Ken and Mint. At The Morning Context, she writes on startups, venture capital, consumer and media businesses—from e-commerce to healthtech to streaming.
Editor, Internet
harveen@mailtmc.com
Mumbai