As India struggles with heat waves, a range of D2C Beverage Startups have mushroomed in urban landscapes to keep you cool this summer.
Heat waves in India are often characterized by extremely high temperatures and dry conditions. During heat waves, temperatures can soar well above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) and sometimes even reach 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher.
The effects of heat waves can be particularly harmful to vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Heat-related illnesses, including heatstroke, dehydration, and heat exhaustion, are common during these periods.
As the heat wave strikes the cities, people turn to better hydration practices, cold beverages and cooling foods which keep you healthy.
Helping the mass a range of startups like Lahori, Rockclimber, Jimmy’s Cocktails, Gunsberg, specialized in manufacturing cold beverages have crafted D2C beverage brands to match the taste and weather of the Indian subcontinent.
According to the statistics mentioned by Market Reports World, the global beverage market is expected to be worth $1,528,670 million in 2022 and $1,691,470 million by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 1.7 percent between 2022 and 2028.
You can open a Beverage startup too with online ecommerce website builder tools like Shopify, WooCommerce, Squarespace, etc.
Things you need to sell Beverages from an Online Store
Product Management
Product Pages with lip smacking visuals describing your Beverage contents and taste to attract the public. Each Product Page should have flavor & quantity selectors, an easy checkout button and the ability to let customers rate and review about the product with pictures or videos after a successful purchase.
You can price drinks by using a retail price by considering costs, packaging, delivery and what profit margin you are hoping for.
Apps and Sales Channel
Sales channels represent the different platforms where you sell your products. By connecting each sales channel to Shopify, you can keep track of your products, orders, and customers in one place. Shopify supports several online sales channels:
- Online Store
- Shop
- Buy Button
- Shopify Inbox
- Wholesale channel
Establish distribution partnerships with wholesalers, retailers, supermarkets, and online platforms to ensure broad availability of your beverages. Consider working with beverage distributors who have an established network and expertise in reaching your target market.
Showcase your drinks with professionally edited photos or build customer loyalty with rewards programs. With over 6000 options in the Shopify App Store, you can customize your store experience and test for success.
Payments
Choose from multiple payment gateways available from Shopify to get paid reliably through Shopify’s secure checkout, or add custom Payment Gateways available in your country which the customers can rely on and it also should have hassle free payout options.
Marketing
Create a strong brand identity that resonates with your target audience. Choose a compelling brand name, design a visually appealing logo, and develop a brand story that communicates your values and unique selling proposition. Focus on differentiating your brand from competitors and building a positive brand image.
Your website must have a Landing Page featuring the best of your range of products from your inventory. The Landing Page of a Beverage Company must have direct links to Flavor Profile Category and Region Depictions because purchase of a Beverage is an impulse action.
You can sell drinks online right from your Shopify website, connect your store to third-party platforms and integrate it to your social media accounts. For example, if you have a strong following on Facebook, you can start selling your products to your customers through your Shopify site from your Facebook page.
Legal
Familiarize yourself with the regulatory requirements and obtain the necessary licenses and permits to operate a beverage business in India. This may include obtaining FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) registration, adhering to labeling regulations, and complying with taxation and packaging norms.
Steps to Start an Online Store
- Choose a delicious and catchy name for your Beverage Shop
- Design a Logo for your Beverage Brand
- Create & Configure an Online Store with any Ecommerce app builder
- Setup Product Pages with Product Details, Variants and Images
- Price your Drinks
- Select your apps and sales channel from where you want to sell your product
- Pick a good Payment Gateway in India, for your Website’s Checkout Page
- Select a fast Delivery Partner for India
- Market your Drink store on Social Media and Google.
It takes a whole lot of time and effort to perfect the taste that fits your target audience. Customer Product Feedback is very essential for a Beverage brand in India. In-person customer experiences are key to growing your business in India.
In order to expect smooth operations establish reliable production processes and source high-quality ingredients for your beverages. Ensure compliance with local food safety regulations and maintain strict quality control measures. Build a robust supply chain network to ensure efficient distribution and timely delivery of your products.
Emphasize sustainable practices in your operations, such as using eco-friendly packaging materials and supporting ethical sourcing. Engage in social responsibility initiatives that align with your brand values to build goodwill and trust among consumers.
Stay abreast of evolving consumer preferences and market trends. Continuously innovate and introduce new flavors, variants, or healthier options to keep your brand relevant and maintain consumer interest.
Remember to consult with legal, financial, and business experts to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. Starting a beverage brand requires careful planning, market understanding, and a strong brand identity, but with dedication and strategic execution, it can be a rewarding entrepreneurial venture in India's growing beverage industry.
