Written By: Bandana Gupta

People are shifting their focus from traditional F&B and cafes to the fresh, vibrant world of juice. This move is driven by increased purchasing power and a collective pivot to healthier living. As a result, the market is exploding with options, from nutrient-dense cold-pressed varieties to delicious smoothies, with new choices appearing almost daily. In this blog, we will explore Jamba (USA), Kongsi (Thailand), Smoothie Factory (USA), and Fruitbae (India) and what it means for Indian investors considering a cold-pressed juice franchise

The leading four brands currently influencing the juice industry:

1. Jamba (USA): The Smoothie Giant with Global Credibility

What Sets It Apart: Strong global brand equity, an extensive menu tailored to diverse nutritional needs, and a robust operational framework.

India Outlook: While Jamba enjoys international appeal, its entry into the Indian market would require careful localisation, particularly in terms of pricing and taste. Its premium ingredients and global recipes may resonate well with urban, affluent consumers in Tier 1 cities.

Investment Range: On the higher side, owing to its global branding, structured systems, and quality benchmarks.

2. Kongsi, a beverage from Thailand, is a Southeast Asian beverage that packs a flavour punch.

Originating from Thailand, Kongsi brings a stylish, flavour-rich twist to the juice bar concept. Also, Their drinks are a celebration of tropical fruits and exotic Southeast Asian blends—served in eye-catching formats.

What Sets It Apart: Distinctive regional ingredients, contemporary store designs, and an immersive brand experience that’s both healthy and Instagram-friendly.

India Outlook: With India’s love for tropical fruits and rising interest in Asian flavors, Kongsi is well-positioned to resonate with millennials and Gen Z. Its natural, visually vibrant beverages, moreover, align with India's health-conscious and aesthetic-driven market.

Investment Range: Likely more accessible than Western brands, offering an attractive middle ground for franchisees seeking novelty with reasonable capital.

3. Smoothie Factory (USA): Health-Focused and Versatile

Smoothie Factory combines smoothies, fresh juices, frozen yoghurt, and clean snacks under one roof. This diverse offering allows it to serve multiple customer needs—from quick breakfasts to post-gym refreshment.

What Sets It Apart: Menu flexibility, personalised blends, and experience in both standalone and co-branded formats.

India Outlook: With India’s rising fitness culture and demand for all-day healthy snacks, Smoothie Factory’s multi-product model is well-positioned. Also, It offers the flexibility to fit into gyms, wellness centres, tech parks, or retail spaces.

Investment Range: Mid-tier, depending on the format—offering good ROI potential in high-footfall zones.

4. Fruitbae (India): The Local Star with Scalable Power

Fruitbae- A rising Indian brand, is designed to make health affordable as well as flavorful. 

What Sets It Apart: Deep-rooted understanding of local preferences, use of fresh and regional ingredients, and a cost-effective, high-turnover kiosk model.

India Outlook: As a locally rooted juice brand, moreover, Fruitbae is designed for rapid and scalable growth across diverse markets. With a focus on affordability, Indian flavours, and cold-pressed juices, it's poised to become a dominant force in the country’s juice and smoothie franchise space. It directly caters to India’s increasing consumer shift toward cold-pressed juice franchises, especially in health-focused urban and semi-urban markets.

Investment Range: Most accessible among the four—ideal for new entrepreneurs or those exploring QSR franchise opportunities in India with lower capital and faster breakeven.

Exploring Juice and Smoothie Franchise Options in India

India’s juice and smoothie market is expanding rapidly, with several domestic as well as international franchises entering the space. From global players like Smoothie Factory to regional brands such as Juice Factory and Captain Smoothie, investors now have a variety of options based on budget, concept, and expansion goals.

Smoothie Factory (USA)

The multinational brand Smoothie Factory entered the Indian market with a master franchise arrangement. Moreover, Known for its focus on fresh smoothies, juices, and frozen yoghurt, it brings a health-oriented menu with international standards.

• Investment Range: ₹10–20 lakhs  
• Franchise Fee: ₹5,00,000  
• Royalty: 6%  
• Founded: 1996 | Franchising Since: 1998
• Expansion Plans: The brand targets 20 store openings in India by March 2026, thus, with a long-term goal of scaling up to 250 locations by 2029.
• Opportunity: Actively seeking Master Franchisees for all four regions of India

Juice Factory

With more than a decade of experience, Juice Factory has established a strong presence across India. Known for its freshly squeezed juices and smoothies, it offers a reliable franchise option with proven operations.

• Investment: Starts at ₹8,00,000  
• Outlets: 40+ across 7 Indian states  
• Focus: Affordable, fresh juices as well as smoothies  
• Experience: 10+ years in the business

Captain Smoothie

A budget-friendly entry into the smoothie market, Captain Smoothie provides a low-investment model ideal for first-time entrepreneurs or smaller cities.

• Investment Range: ₹5–10 lakhs  
• Franchise Fee: ₹3,00,000  
• Royalty: 5%  
• Focus: Simple, health-focused smoothies with a compact setup

Other Noteworthy Options

• Juice Master: Provides an affordable franchise model for smoothies and beverages.  
• Fruitbae is an emerging Indian brand specialising in smoothies and fruit-based beverages, presenting significant franchise opportunities.
• London Slush: Known for slushies and smoothies with a youth-friendly appeal
• Juice Galaxy makes smoothies and juices  
• The Milkshake & Co: Combines milkshakes and smoothies in a trendy, café-style setup.

Where to Explore More

• Franchise India: A key platform featuring numerous food and beverage franchise listings, including juice and smoothie brands
• Franchise Expo 2024: Smoothie Factory was recently part of the event, thus, showing that it is a well-known brand around the world and offers healthy drinks.

Whether you're seeking a low-investment juice franchise or an internationally reputed brand like Smoothie Factory, India's smoothie segment offers diverse franchise models to suit different goals. Evaluate your budget, target audience, and also city tier to pick the best fit for your entrepreneurial journey in 2025.

India’s Thriving Beverage Industry: A Prime Destination for Global Franchises

The Indian beverage sector is growing rapidly, offering multinational companies a great chance. This growth is driven by higher incomes, busier lifestyles, as well as a rising demand for diverse, convenient, and healthier drink options.

Key Growth Drivers

• Rising incomes: More spending power, especially among the middle class.  
• Changing lifestyles: As cities grow and daily routines get busier, people are looking for quick, ready-to-drink beverage options.
• Shifting Preferences: Consumers are increasingly opting for premium coffee, cold-pressed juices, and also health-oriented beverages.  
• Franchise appeal: Structured models with lower risk attract aspiring entrepreneurs.

Successful Beverage Franchise Examples

• Costa Coffee is growing rapidly by placing India as a global leader.
• Chai Sutta Bar: A popular tea franchise rapidly expanding its presence with a strong network of outlets across India.
• Kulhad Rani: Focuses on traditional clay cup beverages.
• Rasna Buzz presents a range of innovative mocktails and also beverages derived from the reputable Rasna brand.

Opportunities for Global Brands

• One of the most rapidly expanding beverage markets is India.
• Diverse audience: Demand exists for both global and traditional drinks
• Easy entry via franchising: Structured, low-risk market entry.
• Premium Demand: Growing interest among young consumers in speciality drinks and health-focused beverages.

Challenges to consider:

• Tough competition: Both local and global players are expanding fast.
• Need to localise: Menus as well as branding must match Indian tastes.
• Regulations: Franchises need to strictly comply with India’s food safety and licensing rules.

India offers huge potential for beverage brands—but success depends on understanding the market, localising offerings, and building smart franchise partnerships.

India’s QSR Boom: A Prime Franchise Opportunity

India’s Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) sector is expanding quickly, fueled by urban growth, higher disposable incomes, and also evolving eating habits. This makes it a highly attractive space for both global and local franchise players, including in Tier 2 and 3 cities.

Key Trends Driving Growth

• Franchising on the Rise: Franchising remains the top model for rapid expansion and entrepreneurship in QSRs.
• Tech Integration: AI ordering, smart kitchens, and automation are reshaping the QSR landscape.
• Health & Sustainability: Plant-based menus, organic options, and eco-friendly packaging are gaining traction.
• Local Flavours & Digital Ordering: Demand for regional tastes and fast delivery is growing through food apps.
• Meat-Based Menus Still Strong: Despite health trends, items like burgers and chicken continue to dominate.
• Smaller Cities, Big Potential: QSR brands are expanding beyond metros into smaller towns.
• Attractive Returns: Profit margins for QSR franchises can range from 10% to 20%.

Cold-Pressed Juice Franchise in India: A Small Market with Big Potential

The cold-pressed juice market in India is still niche but expanding rapidly, fueled by increasing health awareness and a preference for natural, preservative-free beverages. Thus, It’s an ideal franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs targeting urban, health-conscious consumers.

Why It’s a Good Opportunity

• Health Trend: Consumers are shifting from sugary drinks to healthier options.
• Low to Moderate Investment: ₹10–15 lakhs for a kiosk, ₹25–30 lakhs for a full outlet.
• High-Demand Locations: Best suited for malls, gyms, as well as corporate zones.
• Branding & Online Reach: Strong identity and digital presence help attract loyal customers.
• Product Range: Offering smoothies and wellness drinks widens appeal.
• Franchise Support: Established brands provide training, marketing, and supply support.

 Therefore, With the right setup and branding, a cold-pressed juice franchise can be a profitable venture in India’s growing wellness market.

Conclusion

By carefully evaluating brands like Jamba, Kongsi, Smoothie Factory, and also homegrown players (like the hypothetical Fruitbae), you can make an informed decision and position yourself for success in the thriving Indian QSR market of 2025. Keep an eye on these brands as they continue to innovate as well as redefine the juice game!

Disclaimer: The brands mentioned in this blog are the recommendations provided by the author. FranchiseBAZAR does not claim to work with these brands / represent them / or are associated with them in any manner. Investors and prospective franchisees are to do their own due diligence before investing in any franchise business at their own risk and discretion. FranchiseBAZAR or its Directors disclaim any liability or risks arising out of any transactions that may take place due to the information provided in this blog.