Desi Daru seeks £1m investment

British-Indian vodka brand Desi Daru is looking to raise £1 million (US$1.2m) to aid UK expansion and international distribution.

Mohit Singh and Aneet Kaur, the husband-and-wife team behind the vodka brand, plan to use the investment to increase production capacity at the brand’s distillery in Oxfordshire, expand its marketing capabilities and strengthen direct-to-consumer channels.

A significant portion of the investment would also be allocated for international distribution, allowing Desi Daru to reach new global markets, with its founders stating the brand is ‘poised for substantial growth in the vodka market’.

“It is a pivotal time to be raising money for Desi Daru as we strive to expand and solidify our position as one of the premier vodka brands in the UK. This funding will help fuel our ambitious growth and bring our vodkas to a wider audience, both domestically and internationally,” said Singh.

The brand’s Mango expression was named the Vodka Taste Master in 2023 and picked up four other Master awards during The Vodka Masters 2023.

Desi Daru is stocked in London bars including The Churchill Bar and Terrace Hotel cocktail bar, Opium speakeasy and Michelin-starred restaurant Benares. In the off-trade, it is stocked at luxury retailer Harvey Nichols.

Earlier this year, the brand partnered with UK distributor Nightcap Brands to enhance its presence in the on-trade.

Desi Daru will host its inaugural Culture Colliders UK cocktail competition final on 22 July at the Samba Room at Sushisamba.