Friendly rival to sugary drinks: How four friends found the secret in nature’s roots

THRISSUR: The experiment of four friends—mixing tender coconut water with fruit pulp—has blossomed into a successful business venture. Aptly named 'Veeru' (Root), signifying its connection to the earth, this drink became a literal lifesaver for many looking to quench their thirst amidst the roaring crowds of the Thrissur Pooram.

The Dream: Nature in a Bottle

Their vision was simple yet ambitious: to create a drink with the pure taste of nature, offering a healthy alternative to the sugar-laden and chemical-heavy sodas dominating the market.

The journey began in their own kitchens. The quartet experimented by blending tender coconut water with various fruits. From the zesty kick of Mosambi (Sweet Lime) to the rich sweetness of Mango and the creamy texture of Avocado, every trial was a hit. After receiving glowing reviews from family and friends, they knew they had found their calling. While currently centred in Thrissur, the team is already drafting plans for a wider expansion.

A Multidisciplinary 'Dream Team'

The success of 'Veeru' is fueled by a diverse group of four friends from Poomala who set aside their different career paths to unite for this common goal:

• P. Pranav: A B.Tech graduate who previously worked in the Biomedical field.
• Arun M.R.: A B.Com graduate with experience in the Oil and Gas sector.
• Rishikesh P.D.: A hands-on entrepreneur who completed his studies up to the 10th grade.
• Sandra Babu: A dedicated professional who worked as a Healthcare Assistant.

Freshness is the Secret

Their production hub is located in Minalur, where the team is also currently building a 'Garden Cafe' attached to a nursery.

Staying true to their "all-natural" promise, 'Veeru' contains zero preservatives. As a result, the drinks are prepared fresh every morning and stored at a temperature of 0°C to 4°C. To ensure peak quality and health standards, the drink has a shelf life of just 12 hours.

Price Point: A bottle of this natural goodness is priced at ₹100.