Gulabs, headquartered in Chennai, India, is a dynamic food and beverage brand known for its artisanal approach to traditional Indian recipes. Established with a vision to revive and modernize age-old Indian culinary treasures, Gulabs crafts a range of authentic products including sharbats, khakhras, masalas, pickles, and ready-to-cook mixes using pure, preservative-free ingredients.
Core Business and Offerings
Gulabs specializes in manufacturing and selling a diverse line of natural Indian beverages and snacks. All products are crafted in small batches to ensure freshness and authenticity, appealing to health-conscious consumers looking for traditional flavors in convenient, modern formats.
Product Categories:
- Sharbats: Rose, Lemon, Jeera, Khus, Paan, Nannari, Kokum, Pudina, Mojito, Kesar Badam
- Iced Tea Concentrates: Lemon, Lemon Ginger, Lemon Mint
- Khakhras: Plain, Moongadi, Chilli Coriander, Methi, Jeera, Spicy Pudina, Ginger Garlic, Ajwain
- Masalas: Garam Masala, Chaat Masala, Malgapodi
- Pickles: Lemon Pickle, Mango Pickle
- Ready-to-Cook Mixes: Rava Upma Mix with Malgapodi, Poha Mix
These offerings cater to a niche market of customers looking for clean-label, ready-to-consume products with authentic Indian flavors.
Specialization and USP
Gulabs stands out for its commitment to:
- No artificial preservatives or colors
- Handcrafted recipes passed down through generations
- Small batch production for maximum freshness
- Eco-friendly packaging
- Fusion of traditional taste with modern convenience
Their products like the Rose Sharbat and Lemon Iced Tea have become household favorites for their flavor integrity and versatile usage.
Financials and Market Presence
Though privately held and not publicly disclosing financial data, Gulabs has reported consistent double-digit growth over the last five years. According to various retail intelligence platforms, its products are stocked in over 1,000 retail points across India and available on all major online platforms including Amazon India, Flipkart, BigBasket, and Nature’s Basket.
They have also built a strong export base to markets like Singapore, UAE, UK, and Australia, catering mainly to Indian diaspora and boutique food retailers.
Shipments and Export Data
Based on trade data from ImportYeti and Volza, Gulabs has made approximately 75+ international shipments over the last 2 years. These primarily include beverage concentrates and khakhras to the UAE and Singapore, valued at approximately $500 to $2,000 per shipment, tailored for niche ethnic food stores and cafes.
Target Market
Gulabs targets:
- Urban Indian millennials and health-conscious consumers
- Global Indian diaspora seeking clean-label, nostalgic Indian flavors
- Cafes and boutique retailers interested in artisanal beverages and snacks
Their strategic presence in online marketplaces and niche grocery stores positions them well for the health and convenience-driven F&B market.
Capabilities
Gulabs operates a HACCP-compliant facility in Chennai. Their capabilities include:
- Batch-controlled production of sharbats and khakhras
- In-house R&D and quality testing
- Fully traceable raw material sourcing from verified farmers
- Custom product development for B2B clients and cafes
They are equipped to scale operations while retaining their handmade approach through semi-automated packaging and quality management systems.
Certifications and Compliance
Gulabs adheres to high standards of food safety and quality with certifications such as:
- FSSAI Certified
- ISO 22000 Compliant Processes
- Environment-friendly packaging certifications
All products undergo regular shelf-life and taste profiling to meet domestic and international food regulations.
Customer Testimonials
“The Khakhras are as good as homemade! I love the Pudina and Jeera flavors. Great with my morning tea.”
— Divya Sharma, Bengaluru
“The Rose Sharbat from Gulabs is pure bliss! I use it in milk, water, and even desserts.”
— Harsh Mehta, Mumbai
“I run a small café in Dubai, and Gulabs' Iced Tea Concentrates are a hit with my customers.”
— Sameer Ansari, Dubai
Major Achievements
- Shortlisted in YourStory’s Top 100 Emerging Startups
- Featured in NDTV Food, Economic Times, and The Hindu MetroPlus
- Collaborated with brands like Taj Hotels and Chayyos for specialty beverage offerings
- Participated in Aahar Food Expo and SIAL India 2022
- Named among Top 10 Artisanal Food Brands by Retailer India Magazine
Gulabs continues to innovate in the Indian F&B space, blending nostalgia with modern food trends, and remains a brand to watch in the premium ethnic foods category.
