Hocco, the rapidly growing Indian ice cream brand, secured $10 million in the first close of its $20 million Series B funding round, the company announced on Thursday. With ambitions to scale operations and deepen its presence across India, Hocco plans to use the new capital to expand production capacity, strengthen distribution networks, and accelerate its entry into new regional markets.
The Chona Family Office and Sauce VC co-led the round, bringing together industry experience and venture capital expertise to support Hocco’s next phase of growth. The company expects to close the remaining $10 million later this year.
Leadership Drives Confidence
The Chona Family Office, the founding entity behind Hocco, reaffirmed its long-term vision by investing in this round. With deep roots in the Indian food and beverage industry, the Chona family previously built and sold the iconic ice cream brand Havmor to South Korean conglomerate Lotte in 2017. That legacy continues to influence Hocco’s strategic direction, brand ethos, and market execution.
Sauce VC, a consumer-focused venture capital firm founded by Manu Chandra, joined as co-lead investor. Sauce VC has built a reputation for backing fast-moving, brand-centric consumer startups in India. Chandra expressed confidence in Hocco’s leadership and market traction, citing the brand’s high consumer recall and operational discipline as key differentiators.
Expanding Manufacturing Capacity
Hocco will channel a significant portion of the funds toward scaling up its production infrastructure. The brand already operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Gujarat. However, surging demand and increasing market reach have pushed the need for additional capacity.
The company will invest in advanced machinery, improved cold chain logistics, and increased automation to ensure consistent quality and higher throughput. Hocco aims to double its monthly production volume within the next 12 months.
By expanding manufacturing capacity, Hocco can launch new SKUs faster, reduce stockouts during peak seasons, and maintain product quality across a wider distribution footprint.
Strengthening Distribution Networks
With growing competition in India’s organized ice cream sector, Hocco understands that distribution scale matters. The company plans to expand its presence across general trade, modern trade, and institutional sales channels. It will deepen its relationships with regional distributors, onboard more retailers, and improve last-mile logistics.
Currently, Hocco serves Gujarat and select markets in Maharashtra and Rajasthan. With fresh funding in hand, the company intends to enter 8–10 new cities, targeting Tier 1 and Tier 2 markets where demand for premium, branded ice cream continues to rise.
Hocco also plans to invest in technology to track inventory, optimize routes, and improve demand forecasting at the distributor and retailer level. These initiatives will enhance operational efficiency and help build a robust, scalable distribution backbone.
Entering New Markets
Market expansion ranks high on Hocco’s agenda. India’s ice cream sector offers enormous headroom for growth, with per capita consumption still significantly below global averages. Hocco sees an opportunity to establish a national footprint by leveraging its unique brand identity and strong unit economics.
The company will launch targeted campaigns to build awareness in new regions while preserving its artisanal, premium positioning. Hocco also aims to cater to regional flavor preferences by customizing its product portfolio based on local tastes.
To support this expansion, the company will onboard regional sales teams, partner with local logistics providers, and run geo-targeted marketing campaigns. It wants to build strong brand recall in every market it enters, rather than simply chasing scale without brand equity.
Building a Strong Brand
Hocco continues to differentiate itself through a focus on quality, nostalgia, and customer experience. The brand positions itself as a premium yet accessible indulgence, targeting families, young adults, and children alike.
The founders draw inspiration from their decades-long experience in the industry. They maintain a firm grip on product development, quality control, and customer feedback. As a result, Hocco has quickly built a reputation for rich flavors, clean branding, and consistent product delivery.
Hocco also plans to expand its direct-to-consumer (D2C) offerings, including online orders, home delivery, and limited-edition drops. This approach will help the company create stronger consumer connections and gather valuable data on purchase behavior and preferences.
Capitalizing on Seasonality and Trends
While India’s ice cream industry remains heavily seasonal, Hocco wants to build year-round relevance. The company plans to launch ready-to-eat frozen desserts and seasonal flavor drops that align with festive periods. It will also experiment with innovative packaging formats such as multi-serve tubs and single-serve sticks for wider appeal.
The brand intends to use insights from market data and consumer feedback to identify high-potential product lines. It also plans to tap into health-conscious trends by offering low-sugar, high-protein, and dairy-alternative products in the near future.
By staying agile and responsive to consumer trends, Hocco can continuously refresh its portfolio and avoid stagnation in a fast-evolving category.
Strategic Use of Funds
The $10 million already raised will help Hocco initiate critical expansion and build momentum for the next phase of the funding round. The company expects the second tranche of the Series B round to close later this year, depending on market conditions and investor interest.
With solid investor backing and a clear roadmap, Hocco can now execute with greater confidence. Its strategic allocation of capital across production, distribution, and marketing gives it a well-rounded growth engine.
The company also plans to strengthen its leadership team, adding talent in operations, marketing, finance, and technology. These hires will provide the expertise required to manage scale while maintaining quality and brand focus.
Outlook for the Indian Ice Cream Sector
India’s organized ice cream market continues to grow at a double-digit CAGR. Increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and changing consumer lifestyles drive this demand. Hocco finds itself well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, especially as consumers shift from unbranded to branded offerings.
Moreover, increasing access to refrigeration, growing retail penetration, and rapid expansion of quick commerce platforms create favorable tailwinds for packaged food brands like Hocco.
Investors see tremendous potential in India’s frozen dessert space, which remains underpenetrated compared to global benchmarks. As a result, well-run brands with strong execution, high recall, and scalable operations attract significant attention.
Conclusion: A Growth Story with Legacy and Vision
Hocco’s $10 million Series B raise marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey. With deep industry roots, clear growth priorities, and strong investor alignment, the brand stands ready to scale new heights.
The company’s founders have combined legacy knowledge with a modern growth mindset. They focus on execution, product quality, and brand building—all crucial pillars for long-term success in the consumer goods sector.
As Hocco accelerates its journey from a regional player to a national brand, it continues to uphold the values that made it trusted in the first place—authentic flavors, consistent quality, and a deep understanding of Indian consumers. With its expansion plans in full motion, Hocco aims to become a household name in every corner of India, one scoop at a time.