With an exquisite selection of premium-flavoured gins, vodkas, and rums, Ochre Spirits prides itself on utilising high-quality natural ingredients and natural fruits for maceration to ensure its spirits have been infused with rich, authentic flavours and aromas.
Many of its ingredients have been meticulously sourced from various regions across India, while berries have been imported from esteemed international suppliers. This blend of locally sourced and globally imported ingredients has set Ochre Spirits apart, providing a unique and superior tasting experience that has distinguished it from other brands.
“The spirits space is going through a transition; traditionally, the space is dominated by mass-produced commercial brands that have become familiar to consumers. But now, a whole section of people want more from their spirits. They want their spirits to be unique, smoother, tastier, and fragrant,” said John Royerr, founder of Ochre Spirits.
“This section of people wants to try new products that can add a new dimension and make drinking more pleasurable. The growth of flavoured and artisanal spirits is also rising due to the growing cocktail culture and home bartending. Artisanal and flavoured spirits have become trendy and are catching the fancy of consumers quite quickly.”
The foremost criterion for selecting suppliers from India or globally was to get the best possible quality.
“Indian produce is of excellent quality and provides robust flavours, so we chose Indian suppliers for fruits and other vital ingredients. We zeroed in on renowned international suppliers for a few ingredients, primarily berries.”
As an industry that was somewhat difficult to enter, with changing times, many home-grown artisanal brands have entered the space and changed the face of the industry. Perspective towards the spirits industry has transformed, especially post-pandemic.
Recently, Royerr observed a notable shift in consumer behaviour, with Indian consumers increasingly favouring domestic ingredients and locally made products, which has marked a significant transformation in market dynamics.
This trend has presented substantial growth opportunities. The resurgence and reinvention of traditional food and beverage offerings have gained momentum, with artisanal and craft products—both traditional and innovative—capturing consumer interest.
Ochre Spirits was founded to revolutionise the spirits industry by curating artisanal spirits catering to these new-age consumers' evolving preferences. Recognising the demand for premium quality and smoother, easy-on-the-palate spirits, each product has been crafted with these core principles.
“Guided by market trends, our new product development focuses on introducing distinctive offerings that will further diversify our portfolio and enhance the drinking experience for our customers. Additionally, we are working on developing low-calorie spirits, further aligning with contemporary consumer trends and expanding our appeal to conscious drinkers.”
Sustainability is another core value deeply embedded in Ochre Spirits' sourcing and packaging practices. Royerr said the company recognised the environmental impact of its operations and was committed to minimising it despite the higher costs that often come with sustainable choices, especially for a startup.
“We understand that sustainable practices often come with higher procurement prices, particularly in the initial stages when production volumes are lower. However, we firmly believe that these investments are crucial for our planet's long-term health and our brand's authenticity.”
By integrating sustainability into its business model from the outset, Ochre Spirits has aimed to set a standard within the spirits industry and inspire other brands to follow suit.
Royerr added that each product was an ambassador of the brand, and maintaining premium quality encouraged consumers to explore other offerings. Leveraging technology to reach out directly to end consumers has been another priority, ensuring a seamless and personalised brand experience that fosters stronger connections and loyalty.
“We are using the latest technology to create world-class packaging and have also employed efficient and customised technology tools to manage growing sales and business operations. We are developing and implementing AI-enabled tools to manage our distribution and supply chain seamlessly.”
This has allowed Royerr to anticipate demand, reduce waste, and streamline operations, ultimately providing our customers with a more reliable and responsive service. He was also grateful that the team had extensive industry experience, which helped them successfully navigate the supply chain landscape with minimal challenges.
“It's essential in any sector to thoroughly study and strategise supply chain management, identify potential challenges, and devise ways to overcome them. Our team's deep industry knowledge and proactive approach have enabled us to anticipate and mitigate bottlenecks effectively, ensuring seamless operations.”
Ochre Spirits is excited to contribute to this vibrant market by entering the sparkling water category, aligning with its commitment to innovation and diversification, and offering consumers high-quality, flavorful options that complement its existing spirits portfolio. The company is also set to launch three new products this year.
