The Brooklyn Creamery Launches 100% Natural, Low-Calorie Fruit Juice Popsicles for Summer

Hocco, one of India's largest and fastest-growing premium ice cream brands, today announced it has secured $10 million in funding as part of a larger $20 million Series B investment round. Sauce VC, a top consumer-focused venture capital company, and the Chona Family Office, famed for their extensive knowledge in the Indian food sector, co-lead the financing. 

This significant capital infusion will primarily be allocated toward increasing Hocco's production capacity and supporting the brand's ambitious expansion into new markets across India, further solidifying its position as a dominant force in the country's premium ice cream sector. 

Founded by the Chona family, Hocco has rapidly disrupted the Indian ice cream industry, not only through quality-first innovation but also through a distinct brand language that resonates with new-age consumers. 

“Hocco’s unparalleled scale up journey in less than 2 years reflects the deep expertise and goodwill the Chona family enjoys in the ice cream space. As the market is witnessing strong growth in India driven by improving disposal incomes and easier access through new age channels such as quick commerce, we are privileged to partner this world class team on their next leg of growth”, said Manu Chandra, Founder, Sauce VC, known for identifying and nurturing category-defining consumer brands.

The infusion of fresh capital, will enable Hocco to:
● Substantially increase production capacity to meet growing consumer demand
● Accelerate geographic expansion into new markets across India
● Strengthen distribution networks and supply chain infrastructure
● Continue product innovation and development of new flavor profiles
● Enhance brand marketing initiatives to reach a wider audience

Ankit Chona, Promoter, Hocco Ice Creams, said “This fundraise is not just about expanding capacity—it’s about believing in the power of a homegrown brand to stand tall among the world’s best, At Hocco, we’ve poured our hearts into every scoop, and this fresh capital gives us the strength to dream bigger, reach farther, and serve many more with the joy of truly great ice cream. We’re grateful for the trust placed in us and excited for what lies ahead.”

Changing consumer preferences, rising disposable incomes, and increased demand for high-quality dessert choices have fueled India's luxury ice cream market's strong rise in recent years. Hocco has distinguished itself in this competitive landscape through its commitment to using premium ingredients, creating distinctive flavor profiles, and delivering consistent product excellence.

With this, Hocco is poised to solidify its position as the next-generation dairy and dessert powerhouse, carrying forward a cherished legacy while redefining the category for a younger, quality-conscious India. 

NOTO Ice Creams & Desserts is turning up the indulgence dial with the launch of its first-ever scoop shop in Bandra ‘Meltshop by NOTO’, a whimsical dessert destination built to serve big scoop energy.

Renowned for redefining healthy indulgence on q-commerce and food delivery platforms, NOTO now steps into the offline world with Meltshop—a bold new chapter in the brand’s journey. 

The store is a visual and sensory delight, bright, bold, and bursting with personality. From vibrant hues to playful touches, the store is a living expression of the NOTO brand—immersive, fun, and full of flavour. Guests can explore six imaginative single-serve sundaes, 15 artisanal scoop flavors with inventive toppings, and one iconic softy—all crafted to push the boundaries of what dessert can be.

Don’t miss signature creations like Trip to Thailand, a tropical treat of mango swirl ice cream, sticky rice, and popping boba pearls, or the Coffee Biscoff, with a hidden layer of cocoa that adds a delightful surprise. Each one promises flavour and fun in every bite. Also on offer are trending favourites like Matcha Raspberry, Pistachio, and a selection of fruit-forward options. Alongside these fresh scoops, customers can shop from NOTO’s popular packaged ice cream range, offering a healthier indulgence they already know and love.

Speaking of the new launch, Varun Sheth, Co-founder, NOTO Ice Creams & Desserts, says, “With Meltshop by NOTO, we didn’t just want to create a place to eat ice cream, but we wanted to build a joyful escape. A space where our community can enjoy both the healthy and indulgent sides of NOTO in their most fun and feel-good form. We see you—bad day, good day, or just a boring old Monday, we’re here with the scoop. It’s a joy to see the NOTOverse grow to make every kind of dessert-er happy!”
 

As a milestone for the company's growth story, Scuzo Ice 'O' Magic, India's rapidly growing gelato and live-popsicle business has opened its three new outlets in Lucknow. The opening in these new locations allows Scuzo to further share its vision of the ideal fusion of enjoyment and wellness, revolutionizing the frozen dessert industry with its ground-breaking live popsicles and hand-scooped delicacies.

These outlets are positioned at Ashiyana (Sector K), Gol Market in Mahanagar and Lulu Mall Food Court, making the brand accessible to dessert enthusiasts all over the city. My Scuzo International Pvt. Ltd. opened these outlets in partnership with Mohsin Raza Khan, Franchise Unit Partner.

With the ability to create their own popsicle in only a few minutes using fresh fruits of their choosing, guests at Scuzo Ice 'O' Magic have a unique experience. The menu offers a variety of delicious delicacies in addition to popsicles, including homemade gelatos, light and crisp waffles, fluffy pancakes, rich dessert cakes, creamy milkshakes, and delicious sundaes. Its promise of healthy enjoyment is upheld by the fact that all of its products are created entirely of real fruits and premium ingredients devoid of preservatives and chemicals.

"Lucknow has given us a warm welcome, and we are looking forward to introducing our signature products to these three new outlets. Our commitment to quality and innovation continues unabated as we continue to serve the city's dessert enthusiasts," said Gagan Anand, Founder, Scuzo Ice 'O' Magic.

Scuzo Ice 'O' Magic maintains its commitment to the environment by including eco-friendly elements into its product line, which includes inventive rice straw candies with flavors. Scuzo is committed to creating goods that are both aesthetically pleasing and contribute to a better world.

"We look forward to opening new stores in Lucknow and eagerly await bringing a unique dessert experience to more people. Our endeavor is to bring innovative flavors, creativity, and happiness to all our customers walking into our stores," said Mohsin Raza Khan, Franchise Unit Partner, Scuzo Ice 'O' Magic. 

Leading guilt-free ice cream company, 'NOTO Ice Cream' has raised ₹15 crore in its most recent funding round, which was led by Inflection Point Ventures (IPV) and included Lets Venture and JITO. The money will go toward growing into Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, introducing novel summertime flavors and formats, assisting with marketing on quick-commerce and food-tech aggregators, improving infrastructure, and increasing brand recognition through experiences.

NOTO Ice Cream was established in 2019 and has since upended the ice cream market by providing decadent, healthful ice cream options without sacrificing flavor. It is a popular option for people who are health-conscious due to its creative flavors and formats as well as its emphasis on better substitutes like low-calorie, low-sugar ice creams. "Eating, Not Cheating” is the brand’s motto.

Renowned individuals like Kunal Bahl, Rannvijay Singha, and John Abraham also support the brand because they share NOTO's goal of enabling guilt-free pleasure for everyone.

Varun Sheth, a chef and seasoned businessman with a wealth of hotel industry experience, and Ashni Shah, a fashion and design lover with a background in marketing and operations, co-founded NOTO.

Vinay Bansal, Co-Founder, Inflection Point Ventures, says, “Health-conscious consumers often struggle between satisfying their sweet cravings and adhering to a healthier lifestyle. The existing options often compromise on taste or nutritional value, creating a gap in the market for truly guilt-free indulgence. NOTO ice-cream is solving this problem with its unique flavours that don't compromise on either taste or nutritional values. At IPV, we are drawn to the startup’s commitment to address a real consumer need. Their vision to redefine desserts aligns with lots of Indians, making it a scalable startup with meaningful impact.”

By 2032, the Indian ice cream market is expected to have grown from its 2023 valuation of ₹228.6 billion to ₹956 billion. Higher disposable incomes and the growing use of rapid commerce platforms are driving the market's transition toward premium, healthful, and inventive ice cream products, which is expected to see substantial development. NOTO is actively entering new markets in Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Lucknow in addition to operating in several cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Pune. In addition to rapid commerce sites like Zepto, Blinkit, Instamart, and Flipkart, the brand is listed on meal delivery services like Swiggy and Zomato.

Commenting on the same, Varun Sheth, Co-Founder & CEO, NOTO notes, “At NOTO, Eating, Not Cheating is at the heart of everything we do - we serve desserts that are guilt-free and full of flavor. This funding fuels our expansion into Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, paves the way for more NOTO-riously good innovations. As we continue to redefine the ice cream experience, we’re excited to scale new heights. We appreciate IPV’s support in this journey.”

Ice Cream Works, a well-known brand in the artisanal ice cream industry, has introduced an intriguing new range of flavors. Three different ranges—Classic, Premium, and Luxury are included to accommodate a range of palates to enhance the indulgent experience.

Classic flavors like Strawberry Chocolate Chip and Banana bring classic favorites to life, bringing back fond memories while providing the rich, creamy textures for which Ice Cream Works is renowned.

With flavors including World Class Strawberry, Real Guava, Oreo Cookies and Cream, Biscoff Caramel, Cookie Dough Chocolate Chip, Belgian Chocolate, and Nutella Chocolate Brownie, all of which are designed to provide rich and indulgent flavor experiences, the Premium line adopts a sophisticated approach. With Crispy Coffee, Sea Salt Caramel Fudge, Three Berries, Dark as Sin Chocolate, and Hazelnut Almond Brittle, the Luxury line redefines luxury while demonstrating the brand's commitment to crafting unforgettable moments with each scoop.

Commenting on this, Alisha Shah Chona, Founder and CEO said, “Our new range of flavors represents the essence of Ice Cream Works—exceptional quality and a passion for creating unforgettable experiences. Each flavor is designed to bring joy and foster connections, making every moment special.”

NOTO, a brand known for transforming dessert experiences has introduced the Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich.

This delightful confection combines elegance with a rich array of flavors, offering a dessert that's health-conscious.

NOTO has established a reputation for crafting delectable treats that invite guilt-free indulgence.

According to Ashni Shah, Co-founder of NOTO, the Macaron Ice Cream Sandwiches perfectly embody the flawless balance between luxury and excellence. As they introduce this delightful creation, they are excited to continue their dedication to guilt-free enjoyment while maintaining an uncompromising focus on flavor.

Their extensive range comprises of gelatos, ice creams, mini delights, and popsicles, reflects their commitment to reshaping the concept of indulgence.

Each box contains four flavours, each a testament to the marriage of exquisite taste and guilt-free indulgence.

From Dark Chocolate to Coffee flavours as the aroma meets the creamy swirls of ice cream in a macaron symphony. Chocolate Hazelnut is a symphony of rich flavours whereas  Mango Cheesecake comprises of flavours within a crunchy macaron shell. 

The introduction of the Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich underscores NOTO's continued mission to redefine guilt-free enjoyment.

Baskin-Robbins® is celebrating Valentine’s Day in a different manner. The iconic ice cream brand is introducing a captivating new Flavor of the Month, Secret Admirer™, a rose-based ice cream.

It is also bringing back its fan-favorite, Box of Chocolates Cake.

“The launch of Secret Admirer™ builds on our history of high-quality flavor innovation, offering unique elements like real rose extract that our guests may have never experienced before alongside familiar flavors,” said Jeanne Bolger, Director of Research & Development for Baskin-Robbins.

Baskin-Robbins is also excited to bring back a February favorite, the Box of Chocolates Cake.

Inspired by the classic, heart-shaped candy boxes we all know and love, this indulgent cake offers an elevated twist customizable with your favorite ice cream and cake flavor and topped with a rich layer of fudge and milk chocolate candies – made to look like a real box of chocolates.

Available in two sizes, small or large heart, this festive cake can be ordered online, through the Baskin-Robbins mobile app or by visiting or calling your local Baskin-Robbins restaurant.

Dairy Day, a leading ice cream brand in South India, has unveiled Chilli Guava stick. The new product brings the authentic flavour of guava in a delicious sorbet, containing the fruit pulp, chilli and salt.

Chilli Guava’s 60ml stick is priced at Rs 20. It is available at more than 30,000 outlets across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.

MN Jaganath, Director, Dairy Day, said, “The ice cream industry is one of the most innovative verticals in the food sector. We constantly strive to offer our customers the best in terms of quality and flavours.”

“Chilli Guava adds to our range of mouth-watering combinations unique to India, such as Paan Twist, Gajar Halwa and Gulab Jamun among others. Ice cream aficionados can look forward to more innovative fresh new flavours from Dairy Day,” he added.

Recently, Dairy Day entered into Maharashtra. The brand is available across 2,000 outlets in Maharashtra, including Pune, Kolhapur, Beed, Satara and several other cities and towns across the state.

Dairy Day is manufacturing and supplying over 150 products in more than 30 flavours in a variety of cups, cones, sticks, tubs and other novelties.

Kwality Ltd, a reputed dairy firm recently signed an agreement with Bank of Baroda for providing Rs 4,000 crore loans to the former's one lakh farmers from whom the company procures milk.

In a filing to BSE, Kwality said, “it has signed an MoU with Bank of Baroda to disburse Rs 4,000 crore of loan to its one lakh farmers in initial phase out of its established network".

The company has a network of about 3.25 lakh across about 4,500 villages in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan which are amongst the largest milk producing states of India.

Kwality Ltd would attend to the remaining farmers in successive phases over a period of time.

The dairy brand emphasised that the funds would be available at preferential rate and shall be utilised primarily towards purchasing of milching animals, smartphone and two wheelers. The scheme is aimed at providing financial assistance to improve socio-economic lives of farmers and guide them towards digitisation.

Regarding the event, Nawal Sharma, company's President and Head Business Transformation said, "This is a win-win situation for all the three stakeholders which are farmers, bank and company. This will help in increasing our direct sourcing of milk from farmers and faster rolling out of high-margin value added products thereby improving the profitability."

As per Nawal, Bank of Baroda would get a readily available customer base for the priority sector lending and would also get operational support from the company in identification of farmers and payment management system.

Nawal said, "Farmers will get financial assistance at attractive terms with which they can create additional infrastructure leading to higher income. This will also promote digitisation among farmers.”

He also said that farmers would get loans up to Rs 4 lakh at less than 9 per cent interest rates. Furthermore, he said, "It would allow us to develop a robust engine to increase our procurement directly from farmers who currently contribute 22 per cent of our total milk handling capacity of 3.4 mn litres/day, pinpointing that the company is targeting to increase direct procurement to over 50 per cent over the next 3-4 years.

Kwality plans to roll out 10-12 variants of high margin value-added products such as flavoured milk, paneer, cheese, UHT, cream in tetra packs, table-butter, yoghurts, amongst others over next 12-18 months.