Aqua Peya on Shark Tank: Mundada Brothers Journey from a 15-year-old Business to Creating Beverage Brand

Aqua Peya

Three points you will get to know in this article:

  • Aqua Peya delivers beverages to 50,000 customers daily across India.
  • Secured ₹70 Lakhs for 3% equity and 1% royalty on Shark Tank.
  • Mundada brothers risked everything to build a ₹12 Crore business.

About Aqua Peya

Aqua peya logo

Aqua Peya, founded in 2018 by brothers Ravi Rajesh Mundada and Tushar Rajesh Mundada, is a fast-growing name in the Indian packaged beverage industry. Initially focused on mineral water, the company has since expanded into ready-to-drink beverages, offering products in six categories, including cumin soda and flavoured drinks.

Click here to visit their official website : Aqua Peya

Operating from a 40,000 sq. ft. manufacturing unit in Kavalapur, Maharashtra, Aqua Peya’s products are available at 9,700 outlets across India and distributed through 90 channels, reaching 50,000 customers daily.

The Inspiring Story Behind Aqua Peya

The Mundada brothers left their 15-year-old distribution business to pursue their dream of creating a beverage brand. Ravi’s vision for starting a water business emerged after visiting various plants and observing how established companies operated.

Realising that a small setup wouldn’t survive in the competitive water market, they invested ₹3 Crores to establish their state-of-the-art manufacturing unit, funding it by mortgaging their house and securing a ₹1.5 Crore loan.

Understanding the Retailer’s Role

The founders believe that in the bottled water industry, the retailer is king. As Ravi explained, “When someone is thirsty, they won’t look for a brand. They’ll drink what the retailer has available.” This customer-centric yet retailer-focused strategy has been key to Aqua Peya’s growth.

Aqua Peya’s Product Portfolio

Aqua Peya offers products in six categories, including mineral water, cumin soda, and flavoured drinks. Their flagship product remains bottled water, accounting for 75% of their revenue, followed by cumin soda at 13%, with the remaining 12% coming from other beverages.

Aqua Peya Product Highlights

  • Mineral Water: The backbone of their business, catering to mass hydration needs.
  • Cumin Soda: A popular choice for those seeking refreshing, regional flavours.
  • Flavoured Beverages: Designed to attract younger demographics looking for variety.

Aqua Peya Financial Highlights

Aqua Peya has shown consistent growth since its inception, with the following highlights:

  • 2024 Sales : ₹9 Crores
  • 2025 (Projected Sales) : ₹12 Crores, with ₹4.5 Crores already achieved by October-November.

Aqua Peya Profitability Metrics

The company has been profitable from the start, maintaining a 5% net profit margin before tax, showcasing a strong financial foundation.

Aqua Peya on Shark Tank India

The Mundada brothers made their Shark Tank India debut, seeking ₹70 Lakhs for 2% equity, valuing the company at ₹35 Crores. Their pitch showcased not only their product lineup but their entrepreneurial journey, filled with risks and determination.

Shark Reactions to Aqua Peya’s Pitch

While the founders impressed the sharks with their innovative spirit, some concerns were raised:

  • Shark Anupam Mittal, Aman Gupta, and Piyush Bansal: Opted out early, citing similarities between Aqua Peya’s products and established brands.
  • Shark Namita Thapar: Offered ₹70 Lakhs for 3% equity and a 2% royalty until the investment was recovered.
  • Shark Ritesh Agarwal: Matched Namita’s offer, proposing ₹70 Lakhs for 3% equity.

After some deliberation, Namita and Ritesh joined forces, offering ₹70 Lakhs for 3% equity with a 1% royalty until the ₹70 Lakhs was repaid. The Mundada brothers accepted, sealing a deal that valued the company at ₹35 Crores.

Lessons from Aqua Peya’s Shark Tank Experience

The Mundada brothers’ willingness to mortgage their home and leave a stable business underscores the importance of taking calculated risks to achieve big goals.

Understanding that retailers hold the key to success in the water business allowed Aqua Peya to scale quickly and secure shelf space in nearly 10,000 outlets.

The founders acknowledged concerns about product differentiation but remained confident in their ability to carve a niche.

Challenges for Aqua Peya

  1. Competition: The beverage industry is saturated with established players, requiring constant innovation.
  2. Brand Differentiation: Sharks pointed out similarities to other brands, highlighting the need for a stronger unique selling point.
  3. Scaling Distribution: Expanding their reach while maintaining profitability will require significant effort.

Opportunities for Aqua Peya

  1. Product Diversification: Exploring new flavours or health-focused drinks could attract wider audiences.
  2. Strengthen Branding: Investing in marketing campaigns to establish Aqua Peya as a household name.
  3. Expand Retail Presence: Penetrating Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities could unlock untapped markets.

What Sets Aqua Peya Apart?

By prioritizing retailers’ preferences, Aqua Peya ensures its products are readily available where customers need them most.

The company’s state-of-the-art facility supports high-volume production, enabling them to meet growing demand.

Unlike many startups, Aqua Peya has maintained profitability since its launch, a rarity in the beverage industry.

Future Plans for Aqua Peya

  • Expand Distribution Channels
  • Enhance Product Line
  • Invest in Branding

Aqua Peya’s story is one of resilience, ambition, and calculated risks. From mortgaging their home to establishing a ₹12 Crore business, the Mundada brothers have proven that bold decisions can lead to big rewards.

Their appearance on Shark Tank India not only secured ₹70 Lakhs in funding but also highlighted the power of persistence in a competitive industry. With a clear vision and the support of sharks Namita Thapar and Ritesh Agarwal, Aqua Peya is poised to make an even bigger splash in the beverage market.

For entrepreneurs and dreamers alike, Aqua Peya’s journey serves as a reminder that taking risks and staying committed to your vision can pave the way for success.

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