So, you’ve got a passion for craft beverages and a dream to build a brand in India.
Maybe you’re brewing small-batch kombucha, crafting artisanal sodas, or experimenting with unique non-alcoholic blends.
But how do you take your craft from a passion project to a thriving business?
I’ve got you covered.
In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly how you can start and scale your craft beverages brand in India using smart online and offline marketing strategies.
Step 1: Understand the Market & Compliance
Before you start selling, let’s make sure you’re legally set up and understand your audience.
✔️ Know the Regulations
India has strict regulations around beverage sales. Here’s what you need to check:
- FSSAI License – If your beverage is non-alcoholic, you’ll need an FSSAI license.
- State Excise Laws – If you’re in the alcoholic beverage space, each state has different regulations.
- Labeling & Packaging Compliance – Ensure your product labels meet the legal requirements.
✔️ Identify Your Target Audience
Who is your ideal customer? Are they health-conscious urban millennials? Cocktail enthusiasts? Lovers of traditional Indian flavors? Understanding this will shape your marketing strategy.
✔️ Study the Competition
Analyze successful brands like Simba Beer (craft beer) or Paper Boat (non-alcoholic beverages). What makes them stand out? Learn from their wins (and mistakes).
Step 2: Build a Strong Brand Identity
Your branding is what will make customers pick your beverage off the shelf—or click ‘Buy Now’ online.
✔️ Define Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Ask yourself: Why should someone choose your beverage over big brands? Maybe it’s your locally sourced ingredients, zero preservatives, or an innovative fusion of flavors.
✔️ Premium Packaging & Storytelling
Your bottle, can, or carton should make a statement. Choose a design that reflects your brand’s personality. And don’t forget to share your brand story—people love to connect with the ‘why’ behind a product.
Step 3: Dominate Online Marketing with your Craft Beverages Brand in India
In today’s world, online marketing is your best friend—it can get your brand in front of the right people quickly and affordably.
✔️ Social Media Marketing (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn)
- Post mouth-watering visuals and behind-the-scenes content.
- Use Reels & Stories to showcase product-making, cocktail recipes, and customer reviews.
- Collaborate with influencers and food bloggers for wider reach.
- Use trending hashtags: #CraftBeveragesIndia #DrinkLocal #HandcraftedFlavors.
✔️ WhatsApp Marketing (Your Direct Customer Channel)
- Create a WhatsApp Business account to take orders and offer customer support.
- Exclusive WhatsApp Groups – Engage with loyal customers by sharing new launches and special offers.
- Automated Reorder Reminders – Set up reminders for repeat purchases.
✔️ E-commerce & Website SEO
- Sell directly on Shopify, WooCommerce, or Amazon.
- Write blog content to rank on Google (e.g., “Best Craft Beverages in India” or “Why You Should Switch to Artisanal Drinks”).
- Optimize Google My Business for local search visibility.
✔️ Influencer & User-Generated Content
- Encourage customers to share their experiences and tag your brand.
- Run contests and giveaways for engagement.
✔️ Email & SMS Marketing
- Send out newsletters with exclusive deals and updates.
- Use abandoned cart recovery emails to remind customers to complete their purchase.
Step 4: Master Offline Marketing & Distribution
While online marketing is great, you also need a strong offline presence to build credibility and increase availability.
✔️ Get Your Product into Retail & Cafes
- Partner with restaurants, cafes, and bars to serve your beverage.
- Target premium supermarkets like Nature’s Basket, Foodhall, and Spencer’s.
- Offer free samples and tasting sessions to introduce your brand.
✔️ Events & Experiential Marketing
- Pop-up Stores & Food Festivals – Showcase your product at events like The Lil Flea or NH7 Weekender.
- Tasting Workshops – Partner with mixologists or sommeliers for exclusive tasting sessions.
- Brand Collaborations – Team up with fitness brands, organic food stores, or breweries.
✔️ Traditional Advertising & PR
- Use billboards in high-footfall areas.
- Run radio & podcast ads targeting beverage enthusiasts.
- Feature in food & beverage magazines like ‘Sommelier India’.
Step 5: Focus on Customer Retention & Loyalty
The key to long-term success isn’t just getting new customers—it’s keeping them coming back!
✔️ Subscription Model
Offer a “Drink of the Month” club where customers get a new flavor or exclusive edition every month.
✔️ Referral & Loyalty Programs
Reward loyal customers with discounts and perks for referring friends.
✔️ WhatsApp Reorder Reminders
Send automated WhatsApp messages reminding customers to restock their favorite drink.
So now comes the big question—how do you get more people to notice, engage, and buy?
The answer?
🚀WhatsApp Marketing to boost your Craft Beverages brand in India!
With over 550 million+ WhatsApp users in India, this platform is your golden ticket to brand awareness, customer engagement, and sales—both online and in physical stores.
Let’s explore exactly how you can use WhatsApp to make your craft beverage brand a household name. 🍹
1. Build Brand Awareness with WhatsApp Broadcasts & QR Codes
Your first challenge? Making sure people know about your brand and products. WhatsApp can help you cut through the noise.
🔥 Use Case: WhatsApp Broadcasts for Product Launches
Launching a new craft soda flavor or limited-edition kombucha? Use WhatsApp Broadcasts to send personalized messages, high-quality images, and engaging product videos to your audience.
✅ Example: “Introducing our new Mango-Chili Sparkling Soda! 🌶️🥭 Refreshing, tangy, and crafted with natural ingredients. Order now & get an exclusive 10% off—only for our WhatsApp family! 🛒”
🚀 Use Case: QR Code Placements for Instant Customer Engagement
Place WhatsApp QR codes on your packaging, in-store counters, or at event stalls. When scanned, these can lead customers directly to your WhatsApp for inquiries, offers, or to join your VIP list.
✅ Example: A QR code on your bottle label that says: “Scan to get a special recipe using this drink!” (Leading them to a WhatsApp chatbot with cocktail/mocktail recipes.)
2. Re-Target the Right Audience with WhatsApp Ads & Reminders
People may have shown interest in your brand but haven’t made a purchase yet. This is where WhatsApp re-targeting can work wonders.
🎯 Use Case: Click-to-WhatsApp Ads on Facebook & Instagram
Run social media ads that redirect users to a WhatsApp chat instead of a website. Once they start a conversation, you can send personalized recommendations and offers.
✅ Example: A Facebook ad promoting your organic cold brew coffee that says: “Craving bold, handcrafted coffee? Chat with us on WhatsApp for a special discount on your first order!”
📢 Use Case: Automated Reorder Reminders
For repeat customers, use WhatsApp chatbots to send friendly reminders.
✅ Example: “Hey [Name], running low on your favorite Raspberry Kombucha? 🍷 Refill your stock now & enjoy 5% off. Click below to reorder instantly!”
3. Boost Customer Conversations & Engagement with WhatsApp Stories & Polls
Customers love interacting with brands they connect with. WhatsApp lets you engage with them 1-on-1 in a way that feels personal.
🗣️ Use Case: WhatsApp Status Updates for Behind-the-Scenes Content
Use WhatsApp Status (similar to Instagram Stories) to share behind-the-scenes clips, customer testimonials, or special discount alerts.
✅ Example: A status update showing how your craft beer is brewed, ending with: “Excited to try? Reply ‘YES’ to get an exclusive launch offer!”
📊 Use Case: WhatsApp Polls for Market Research
Ask your audience what flavors they want next!
✅ Example: “We’re brewing something new! 🍹 What flavor would you love to try next? 1️⃣ Lychee-Ginger Sparkling Water
2️⃣ Pomegranate-Basil Iced Tea
3️⃣ Coconut-Lemongrass Kefir”
(People respond, and you get direct consumer insights!)
4. Increase Sales on Quick Commerce Apps & Offline Stores
Your beverages should be easily accessible—both online and offline. WhatsApp can drive sales on Swiggy Instamart, Blinkit, Zepto, and even local retail stores.
💰 Use Case: WhatsApp-Exclusive Discounts for Quick Commerce Sales
Run WhatsApp-only offers that drive traffic to Swiggy Instamart or Blinkit.
✅ Example: “Flash Sale! 🚀 Order your favorite Honey-Lemon Kombucha on Blinkit & get ₹50 off! Limited time only. Click to order: [Insert link]”
🏪 Use Case: Drive Foot Traffic to Offline Stores
If your drinks are available at Nature’s Basket, Foodhall, or Spencers, let your customers know!
✅ Example: “Now available near you! 🎉 Grab our artisanal sodas at Foodhall, Delhi. Show this message at checkout for a FREE tasting pack!”
5. Encourage Word-of-Mouth & Referrals with WhatsApp
Your happy customers are your best marketers. WhatsApp makes it easy to encourage referrals.
👯♂️ Use Case: Referral Programs via WhatsApp
Offer rewards when customers refer friends via WhatsApp.
✅ Example: “Love our craft beverages? 🥂 Invite a friend to try & both of you get ₹100 off your next order! Tap below to share your referral link now!”
6. Provide 24/7 Customer Support with a WhatsApp Chatbot
Customers expect quick answers to their queries—whether it’s about product ingredients, delivery updates, or bulk orders. A WhatsApp chatbot can handle this effortlessly.
🤖 Use Case: Instant Customer Support via WhatsApp Chatbot
✅ Example: A customer messages: “Is your kombucha vegan?”
Your WhatsApp chatbot replies instantly: “Yes! All our beverages are 100% vegan & preservative-free. Want to see our full range? Click here: [Insert link]”
This ensures you’re available 24/7, even when your team is offline.
Final Thoughts: WhatsApp Marketing is the Game-Changer for Your Craft Beverages Brand in India
WhatsApp is more than just a messaging app—it’s a marketing powerhouse that can boost brand awareness, engagement, sales, and customer loyalty for your craft beverage business.
🚀 Ready to turn WhatsApp into your best sales channel?
Start implementing these strategies today, and watch your brand grow! 🍹
Very Important: Must know the latest changes about the WhatsApp Commerce policy here 🔗(link)
