Dino Morea backed The Fresh Press raises pre-series A from GCCF

The Fresh Press, a cold-pressed juice brand based out of Mumbai has successfully 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 Fresh Press boasts 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.

As of March, this year, The Fresh Press is also a part of the first cohort of Gruhas Gusto- a FoodTech accelerator program 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% natural, sustainable products for a healthy lifestyle.

Globally, the cold-pressed juices market is expected to reach USD 1.5 billion by 2030, growing at a rate of 7.54% annually. In India, the market is booming with a staggering 25.43% 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. The Fresh Press aims to cater to the evolving Indian Consumers and emerge as a significant player in the healthy beverage industry.

Regarding the investment, Dino Morea stated, “With the support of GCCF and Gusto Accelerators, we envision expanding our footprint nationwide, revolutionizing the way people perceive and consume nutritious beverages. We anticipate that the current funding will definitely help in building a little bigger team since expansion is a major part of this fundraise. We aim to utilize it as effectively as possible and maximize results for smoother operations.” Adding to this, Mithil Lodha, Co-founder The Fresh Press said, "We strive to be a leading brand promoting healthier lifestyles, making a significant impact on individuals' health journeys. Our vision is exponential growth, becoming a prominent name in the healthy beverage industry.”

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.”

Vijay Subramaniam, Founder and Group CEO of Collective Artists Network, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating "We are enthusiastic about our involvement in The Fresh Press journey and its commitment to promoting health through quality cold-pressed juices and organic offerings. We believe that with its strategic expansion plans and focus on empowering healthier lifestyles, The Fresh Press is well-positioned for sustained growth and a substantial impact on the market."

The fresh fruit juice market in India is significant with a size of USD 13 billion. The industry is rapidly growing towards health-conscious consumer choices and a preference for natural, noncarbonated beverages. With India’s tropical climate driving demand, the brand’s 5-year vision anticipates exponential growth.