Shark Tank 5: Mizoram’s most unique drink wins hearts, but no deal; There was no discussion even on the valuation of Rs 10 crore.

This is the first time that Mizoram’s unique and delicious drinks have reached a big national platform like Shark Tank India. Here a company named Local All Natural Soda presented its indigenous craft soda in front of the Sharks. This is a drink which is made from completely natural ingredients and the purity and freshness of the hills of Mizoram is felt in every sip.

Company founder Zomawi Khiamagte and her husband Philip Rodrigue told in the show that their brand is not just a business, but a big movement. He says, ‘Our soda can be made on a large scale. Only local fruits and ingredients are used in it. Every bottle tastes of the clean freshness of the hills of Mizoram. The most important thing is that every bottle helps the small farmers and local communities who have made Mizoram so special.

Who is this couple?

He further said, ‘We are not building a brand just to earn money, but are working to improve the lives of people. Zomawi also shared his story with everyone. She is originally from Mizoram and belongs to the Mizo community. She told, ‘I grew up in Mizoram. Later I went to America for studies, where I met my husband in the first year itself. Her husband Philip is a very good and award winning wine maker in New York. Later both of them decided that they would return to Mizoram. He invested all his savings and started a small brewery there.

How did you start?

But later due to change in rules, he used it to make soda and started a local all natural soda brand. Speaking to Eastmojo after the show, Zomawi said that he did not need to prepare much because he understands his business very well. Just had to repeat some financial figures because there was no ready cheat sheet. The team supported him in every way. As an entrepreneur, he is used to showcasing and selling products. Their mission is so strong that it is the biggest part of their story.

How was the Sharks’ deal?

He said that the Shark Tank experience exceeded his expectations. Especially it was a big thing for an investor like Mohit Yadav to show interest in becoming a partner with him. But giving away one-third of the company (33%) seemed heavy to him because the company still has a long way to go. They want the right strategic partner to move forward, but giving such a large stake at this time may impact their commitments with other investors. Therefore no deal was finalized.

when did it start

Local All Natural Soda was launched in December 2021. Its real objective was to provide better market to small farmers of Mizoram. The company produces value added natural soda using local fruits like pomelo, khasi mandarin, rosella etc. These sodas are completely natural, with low sugar (5-8.5%), no artificial ingredients. After launch, the company grew rapidly and became the main beverage partner of many major music festivals in the North East. In 2024, the startup completed its pre-seed funding round at a valuation of US$1.25 million (approximately Rs 10 crore). This was the first equity funding received by a startup in Mizoram. The funding was facilitated by Alsisar Impact, an incubator that focuses on emerging markets in the North-East and Himalayan regions.