Restaurant India News: Goa’s Ochre Spirits Secures Funding to Expand Whisky, Gin, and Agave Portfolio

Goa-based Ochre Spirits, one of India’s fastest-growing artisanal beverage startups, has closed a seed funding round led by Ah! Ventures through its First Gear platform. The funding also saw participation from industry veterans Mukesh Singh, Founder of RoboCapital and former President of IIFL Finance, and Probir Roy, MD of Alize Capital, Independent Director at Nazara Technologies, and Co-Founder of PayMate, who also serves as a strategic advisor to the company.

Known for its focus on craftsmanship and individuality, Ochre Spirits is developing a diverse portfolio of spirits, mixers, and functional beverages aimed at new-age consumers who seek creativity and conscious indulgence.

The latest fundraise marks a major milestone in the company’s evolution from a craft spirits label to an emerging beverage house. The capital will be deployed to expand its presence across southern and western India, enhance production capacity, and strengthen its portfolio across whisky, gin, and agave-based categories. The brand operates at the intersection of design, culture, and conscious living, with each product designed to foster authenticity and connection.

John Royerr, Founder of Ochre Spirits, said, “This phase is about precision and presence. From our current range to the upcoming extensions across categories, the intent is consistent to offer world-class products that don’t alienate the Indian consumer on the price front. We’re creating a multi-category beverage ecosystem that balances aspiration with accessibility, ensuring quality isn’t reserved for a select few but becomes a benchmark for the entire segment. Each label is crafted to meet evolving consumer expectations without losing its authenticity.”

Royerr further added, “Ochre’s journey has only just begun, but our direction is clear. We’re building a beverage company that’s modern in vision, disciplined in execution, and unapologetically Indian at its core. The goal is simple, to create a homegrown house of brands that earns global respect for its craft, design, and conviction.”

Founded in Goa, Ochre Spirits has grown rapidly from a small-batch craft label into a recognized player in India’s beverage startup ecosystem. The company has built a loyal consumer base by combining regional authenticity with modern appeal. With expansion plans across major Indian markets, Ochre is positioning itself as a multi-category beverage company defined by its distinctive design, thoughtful packaging, and contemporary identity.

Abhijeet Kumar, Co-Founding Partner at Ah! Ventures, said, “We are excited to back Ochre Spirits as they redefine India’s beverage landscape with their innovative approach and commitment to authenticity. Ochre’s focus on quality, design, and conscious celebration aligns perfectly with the evolving preferences of Indian consumers. We believe their vision to create a modern, homegrown house of brands has the potential to set new benchmarks in the industry, and we look forward to supporting their journey as they scale across the country and beyond.”

The fresh round of funding will also accelerate Ochre Spirits’ entry into the non-alcoholic segment, including the development of functional waters and mixers catering to consumers who value both balance and indulgence. This move aligns with the company’s broader goal of becoming a full-scale beverage house that serves multiple consumption occasions—from casual gatherings to professional settings.