In a world where sugar-laden drinks dominate store shelves, two friends, Kunal and Utkarsh, dared to bring something refreshing and authentic. The duo, who share a deep-rooted friendship dating back to school, wanted to offer an alternative that was both honest and beneficial to consumers. With years of experience in the real estate industry, Kunal and Utkarsh decided to step into the world of business with a product that would not only solve a pressing problem but also reflect their values. This is the story of Elderson Real Fruit Soft Drinks, a brand that is redefining the beverage industry.
The Birth of an Idea: Why Real Fruit Soft Drinks?
The idea behind Elderson Real Fruit Soft Drinks was born from a shared frustration—how could the market continue to be flooded with sugary drinks masquerading as “healthy” options? The two entrepreneurs wanted to change this narrative. After years of working in their family business in real estate, Kunal and Utkarsh felt the urge to create something of their own that would solve an existing gap in the market.
The inspiration came when the duo found themselves longing for a ginger ale that wasn’t just packed with artificial flavors and added sugars. Their quest for something more natural led them to experiment in their kitchen. Initially, they tried their hand at creating a ginger ale with real ginger. It wasn’t easy, and they had to go through numerous trials before they arrived at a recipe that worked. After several months of tweaking and perfecting the formula, their ginger ale was ready for the world.
The name “Eldersons” has a simple yet profound meaning. Both founders are the eldest sons in their respective families, and they wanted the brand to reflect their roots, humility, and family values. It was a natural choice that resonated with their vision of creating something real, honest, and impactful.
From the Kitchen to the Market: The Early Days of Building Eldersons
The initial days of building Eldersons were both challenging and exhilarating. What started as a kitchen experiment soon became a full-fledged business idea. After countless failed attempts and over 420 taste tests, Kunal and Utkarsh had finally nailed down the perfect recipe for their flagship product—real fruit ginger ale. However, the journey was far from over.
The duo then faced another major hurdle—finding the right suppliers for the ingredients that would ensure consistency and quality throughout the year. Given that their product relied heavily on natural, fresh ingredients, securing a reliable supplier was critical. They quickly realized that a long line of credit was expected in the soft drink industry, which added another layer of complexity. But despite these challenges, they were determined to push forward.
They also worked relentlessly on the branding and design, ensuring that it captured their “unserious” approach to life. Eldersons was never about being overly polished or pretentious; instead, it was about having fun, experimenting, and creating something that people could genuinely enjoy. The founders’ playful spirit is evident in the design of their bottles, which has resonated with consumers from all walks of life.
Overcoming Challenges: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Like any business, Elderson Real Fruit Soft Drinks faced its fair share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was finding the right suppliers who could guarantee a consistent supply of quality ingredients. Since their product relied heavily on fresh produce, maintaining this quality throughout the year was essential to the brand’s identity.
Moreover, the beverage industry’s reliance on a long line of credit posed another challenge. It was a financial burden, but Kunal and Utkarsh navigated it by carefully planning and learning from their mistakes along the way.
Another challenge was securing a reliable distribution network that could ensure Eldersons was available in the right places, while also keeping it out of areas where it might not resonate as well. This required strategic partnerships and strong relationships with suppliers and distributors who shared their vision for quality and authenticity.
Despite these challenges, the founders remained focused and resilient. Their commitment to their vision and product kept them motivated even when the road was tough. With perseverance and continuous learning, they overcame these obstacles and built a brand that was gaining traction in the market.
Key Milestones: A Journey of Growth and Success
The moment Eldersons Real Fruit Soft Drinks first hit supermarket shelves was a milestone that made everything feel real. It was a testament to their hard work and dedication, and it marked the beginning of the brand’s journey into the mainstream. However, it wasn’t just the placement on store shelves that excited them—it was the fact that they received reorders from local bars and restaurants within a week of launching.
This was a crucial turning point for the brand, and it validated their belief that there was a market for real, wholesome drinks. It proved that people were looking for a healthier, more natural option in a market saturated with sugary alternatives.
Kunal and Utkarsh attribute their success to a leadership philosophy that combines passion, perseverance, and a sense of enjoyment. They have built Eldersons with joy, and they expect the same from their team. The founders believe that clear goals, a shared vision, and fostering a culture of collaboration are key to maintaining motivation and ensuring everyone is aligned towards achieving the company’s objectives.
Innovating for the Future: Staying Adaptable in a Competitive Industry
In today’s fast-paced business environment, innovation is the key to staying relevant. Kunal and Utkarsh understand the importance of keeping their finger on the pulse of industry trends. They constantly monitor what their competitors are doing—not just locally, but globally. After all, soft drinks are consumed by everyone, and the world is their market.
Innovation at Eldersons isn’t just about new flavors or products; it’s about constantly experimenting with new ingredients and refining their processes. Even as they are speaking, the founders are in the middle of trialing new ingredients and testing them for future products. They believe in the power of innovation to keep them ahead of the curve and provide their customers with fresh, exciting options.
Customer-Centric Approach: Ensuring Satisfaction and Building Loyalty
At Eldersons, customer satisfaction is at the heart of their operations. The founders are deeply committed to ensuring that only the highest quality ingredients make it into their drinks. If any ingredient doesn’t meet their standards, they simply don’t move forward with production.
Since the product is made from natural ingredients, the taste may vary slightly due to seasonal differences. However, the core taste remains consistent, which has helped build customer loyalty. Every time someone tries their ginger ale, they know exactly what to expect, and it’s this consistency that keeps customers coming back.
Eldersons takes customer feedback seriously. They actively seek feedback from consumers, and if a customer is drinking their ginger ale in front of them, the first question they ask is what they didn’t like about it. This feedback loop helps them continuously improve and innovate, ensuring that they never become complacent.
Work-Life Balance: A Challenge, but Essential
Running a business isn’t without its challenges, especially when it comes to managing work-life balance. Kunal and Utkarsh admit that balance is hard to achieve, but they’ve learned to make the most of the time they have. They believe in giving their 100% attention to whatever they’re doing, whether it’s work or personal life. And whenever they can, they take time to unwind, have a drink, and share a laugh with friends.
Looking Ahead: The Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Kunal and Utkarsh have big plans for Eldersons Real Fruit Soft Drinks. In the next five years, they envision expanding their presence to metropolitan cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad. They also plan to launch at least five new products, further solidifying their position in the market.
Additionally, building a strong, dedicated team is at the forefront of their goals. The founders believe that a strong, collaborative team will be key to achieving their vision and ensuring long-term success.
A Legacy of Truthfulness and Wholesomeness
Eldersons Real Fruit Soft Drinks is more than just a business for Kunal and Utkarsh. It’s a mission to bring truthfulness and wholesomeness back into the consumer beverage industry. Their goal is to offer consumers a product that is genuinely beneficial to their health, free from artificial additives and excessive sugars.
Ultimately, Kunal and Utkarsh hope to inspire other companies to follow suit and create a market that prioritizes health over profits. They dream of a future where India’s consumption habits are on par with those of Europe, where companies are held accountable for their products’ impact on consumers’ health. And in the long run, they hope to see their products expand internationally, making Eldersons a global name synonymous with quality, authenticity, and innovation.
Eldersons Real Fruit Soft Drinks is a brand built on friendship, passion, and a commitment to offering consumers something better. As they continue to grow, they remain focused on their mission to revolutionize the soft drink industry—one bottle at a time.
