Hocco Foods Private Limited: 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Hocco Foods Private Limited is a rapidly emerging name in the Indian premium ice cream and fast-food segment, rooted deeply in a rich family legacy dating back to 1944. Founded and managed by the Chona family—whose entrepreneurial journey in the ice cream business spans over eight decades—Hocco represents a modern evolution of their culinary heritage. Based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, the company has quickly expanded its footprint through innovation in product offerings and strategic funding rounds, positioning itself as a serious contender in India's burgeoning luxury dessert market. This article dives into the key aspects of Hocco Foods, unraveling its origins, growth, products, business strategies, and future ambitions.

1. The Legacy of the Chona Family and Hocco's Origins

Hocco Foods' story is intertwined with the Chona family's longstanding involvement in the ice cream industry. Originally starting as an ice cream parlour in 1944, the family built Havmor Ice Cream into one of India’s leading brands before selling it to South Korea's Lotte Group in 2017. Following a non-compete period, the family re-entered the market with Hocco, drawing from decades of expertise but adopting a fresh and contemporary approach. The brand name “Hocco” was crafted to be simple, catchy, and modern, encapsulating the ethos of the "House of Chona Collaborative." This background sets the foundation for their new venture that merges legacy with innovation.

2. Diverse Product Portfolio and Culinary Innovation

Hocco offers an array of products focusing primarily on premium ice cream but also includes pizzas, sandwiches, desserts, and quick-service restaurant (QSR) fare. The company distinguishes itself with unique and playful product innovations like mango-shaped mango ice cream (Amchi), caffeinated ice candies (Bijli), and cake-based sandwich desserts (Bix). Their range caters additionally to both traditional and adventurous taste buds, appealing especially to younger demographics aged 18 to 30, while maintaining mass-market accessibility. This diversified menu reflects Hocco’s commitment to creating fun and novel culinary experiences.

3. Strategic Funding and Rapid Expansion

Since its commercial launch in October 2023, Hocco Foods has attracted significant investment, raising over $29 million through several funding rounds. Crucial injections of capital, including a notable $10 million Series B round co-led by the Chona Family Office and Sauce Venture Capital, have fueled rapid scaling. These funds support expanding manufacturing capacity from 130,000 to 250,000 liters per day and entering new regional markets across India, including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh, thereby accelerating their footprint beyond Gujarat and western India.

4. Commitment to Quality and Premium Positioning

Unlike many mass-market ice cream brands, Hocco emphasizes premium quality, using high-grade ingredients and focusing on product consistency and innovative flavors. This approach aligns with the rising consumer preference in India for preservative-free, high-quality desserts, especially among Gen Z and urban upper-middle-class consumers. The combination of regional and globally inspired flavors, along with meticulous branding, helps Hocco carve a distinct position in a crowded marketplace dominated by incumbents such as Amul, Kwality Wall’s, and Baskin Robbins.

5. The Role of Quick Commerce and Multi-Channel Presence

Hocco has leveraged new retail channels like quick commerce (fast delivery platforms) to rapidly increase sales. In FY24, approximately 25-30% of their revenue came from quick commerce platforms such as Zepto, Blinkit, and Instamart, demonstrating an innovative use of technology to cater to modern consumer lifestyles. Alongside offline outlets — including around 150 ice cream parlours and 120+ QSR stores — this multi-channel presence strengthens customer reach and brand visibility.

6. Company Structure and Leadership

Hocco Foods Private Limited is headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, with a management team led by family members Pradeep Satishchandra Chona and Ankit Pradeep Chona. The board also includes independent directors, adding governance and oversight. Established formally in 2022, it operates as a Private Limited Company with an authorized share capital of approximately ₹7 crore. The company employs around 40 professionals as of early 2025, signaling a lean yet focused organizational structure geared towards swift growth.

7. Financial Performance and Future Outlook

In FY25, Hocco reported revenues of around ₹220 crore, with plans to nearly double sales to ₹450 crore by FY26. The company has posted operational losses, typical for high-growth startups reinvesting in capacity and market expansion. With their production capacity increasing and distribution channels widening, Hocco aims to solidify its leadership position in India's fast-growing premium ice cream segment, projected to expand at an annual CAGR of 12-15%. A future public listing remains under consideration to support further capitalization and national expansion.

8. Competition and Market Positioning

Hocco operates in a highly competitive landscape with deep-rooted legacy brands like Havmor (now under Lotte Confectionery), Amul, and international chains. Distinctly, Hocco differentiates through its focus on premium, innovative offerings and digital-savvy marketing strategies. By targeting young urban consumers, emphasizing product fun and differentiation, and embracing quick commerce channels, Hocco seeks to create a niche that balances tradition and modernity, challenging both large legacy and new-age competitors.

9. Cultural Impact and Brand Philosophy

Rooted in a family tradition while embracing a youthful modern spirit, Hocco’s brand philosophy revolves around elevating the ice cream eating experience and engaging consumers emotionally through taste and innovation. Their campaigns, such as “Hocco on Wheels” distributing free ice cream across Gujarat cities, foster community connection and brand joyful outreach. The company prides itself on the people behind the brand — from factory workers to frontline staff — and invests in customer experience training programs to maintain a superior service level.

10. Future Prospects and Innovation Pipeline

Looking ahead, Hocco plans to strengthen its supply chain, launch new flavor profiles tailored to regional preferences, and expand geographically into untapped states such as Chhattisgarh and Telangana. The company is also exploring international markets with initial outlets in the United States and aims to tap into the growing health-conscious consumer segment with innovative product lines. Sustained investment in research and development alongside strategic marketing will be key to Hocco's ambition to emerge as a world-class homegrown ice cream powerhouse.

Conclusion

Hocco Foods Private Limited embodies a compelling blend of heritage, innovation, and strategic growth ambitions that position it as a rising star in India’s vibrant premium ice cream landscape. From its deep-rooted beginnings with the Chona family legacy to evolving into a modern multi-brand portfolio with cutting-edge product innovation and broad market expansions, Hocco reflects the dynamism of India’s food industry. Its ambitious roadmap, significant funding support, and commitment to quality promise an exciting future. As competition intensifies, Hocco’s challenge will be to maintain its unique brand identity while scaling sustainably — a journey well worth watching by industry observers and consumers alike.