How Siddh Desai Built Mexer Foods: India’s Emerging Ready-to-Drink Mocktail Brand

Saurabh Tankha

Picture this: A young man in his mid-20s steps out on a Saturday night with friends, only to find himself waiting in a long queue at the bar. As minutes tick by, a simple yet powerful thought strikes him—why aren’t there ready-to-drink mocktails that you can just open and enjoy instantly?

That moment of curiosity sparked a business idea that would soon turn into reality.

Today, at just 28, Siddh Desai leads Mexer Foods & Beverages LLP, a Mumbai-based startup redefining India’s ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage market.

The Birth of Mexer Foods & Beverages

Founded in Mumbai, Mexer Foods & Beverages began its journey 15 months ago with a clear vision—to create convenient, consistent, and high-quality non-alcoholic beverages.

The company introduced two distinct brands:

• Mixtale Beverages – inspired by mixology and global cocktail culture
• Spicetale Beverages – rooted in Indian flavours and spices

Despite being bootstrapped, the startup has already achieved impressive milestones:

• Presence in 800+ retail stores across Mumbai
• Revenue of ₹5 million in its first year
• Expansion plans for Delhi, Chandigarh, Bengaluru, Pune, and Tamil Nadu

Why Ready-to-Drink Mocktails Are the Next Big Trend

According to Siddh Desai, the growing demand for recreational beverages in India is driving innovation in the segment.

“We are glad to see the response. Consumers today want more options beyond traditional drinks. Our beverages can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere—and even used as cocktail mixers,” he says.

The appeal lies in:

• Convenience – no waiting at bars
• Consistency – standardised taste every time
• Versatility – can be consumed directly or as mixers

Product Range: From Mojito to Jeera Masala

Mexer’s portfolio blends international flavours with Indian preferences.

Mixtale Beverages

• Mojito
• Blue Curacao
• Long Island Iced Tea
• Indian Tonic Water
• Ginger Ale

Spicetale Beverages

• Jeera Masala
• Ginger Masala

Pricing Strategy

• Premium mocktails: ₹55 (300 ml)
• Mixers: ₹40 (300 ml)
• Spiced drinks: ₹20 (300 ml)

This pricing makes the brand accessible while maintaining a premium feel.

Startup Challenges and Learning Curve

Like most startups, Mexer’s journey wasn’t without hurdles.

“From ideation to execution, challenges were constant—raw material procurement, distribution, sales, and marketing,” Siddh recalls.

It took the team nearly six months to finalise flavours, branding, and production processes. Extensive market and bar research helped identify the most popular drinks—mojito, blue curacao, and long island iced tea.

Interestingly, Siddh had no formal training in beverages or food production.

“We are learning like a parent raising a child. Our brand is our baby, and we are growing with it,” he says.

Why Mumbai Was the Launchpad

Despite having a production unit in Gujarat, the team chose Mumbai as their launch market.

“Mumbai is India’s financial capital. If a product works here, it can work anywhere. Plus, we understand the local market well,” explains Siddh.

Initial growth strategies included:

• Store promotions
• Live tasting sessions
• Event activations

These efforts helped validate consumer acceptance early on.

The Future of RTD Beverages in India

When Mexer entered the market 15 months ago, the RTD mocktail segment had limited competition. Today, several brands are entering the space—validating its potential.

“I believe this is the next big category waiting to explode in India,” Siddh says.

Globally, the RTD beverage market is already competitive, but India is just beginning to tap into its potential—making it a high-growth opportunity for startups like Mexer.

Conclusion: From Idea to Industry Disruption

Siddh Desai’s journey is a classic example of how everyday problems can lead to powerful business ideas. What started as a simple inconvenience at a bar has now evolved into a fast-growing brand in India’s beverage industry.

With innovation, persistence, and a deep understanding of consumer needs, Mexer Foods & Beverages is well on its way to shaping the future of ready-to-drink mocktails in India.