Gramiyaa, a Bengaluru-based vertically integrated cold-pressed oil brand, secures ₹7.2 crore in a pre-Series A funding round led by Homegrown Ventures, with participation from Campus Fund and Mumbai Angels. This investment follows a previous seed round in March 2024, demonstrating continued investor confidence in the brand’s potential.
Founded by third-generation oil maker Sibi Manivannan, Gramiyaa ensures high-quality, unrefined cooking oils using traditional wood-pressed techniques combined with modern manufacturing standards. The company plans to scale its production capacity to 4 lakh litres per month, strengthening its position as a leader in India’s cold-pressed oil industry.
With this new funding, that Gramiyaa secures aims to streamline its manufacturing processes, expand its distribution channels, and reinforce its direct-to-consumer (D2C) model. Additionally, the company is on track to achieve an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of ₹36 crore by March 2025. This growth aligns with the increasing demand for pure and unrefined oils in the Indian market, as consumers shift towards healthier food choices.
Gramiyaa’s expansion will further enhance its presence across e-commerce, offline retail, and quick commerce platforms. The investment also highlights the growing significance of the cold-pressed oil sector, which is transitioning from a niche market to a mainstream category driven by health-conscious consumers.
1. Introduction: Understanding Gramiyaa’s Business Model
1.1 Vertically Integrated Cold-Pressed Oil Production
Gramiyaa specializes in wood cold-pressed oils, ensuring quality by owning the entire production process. The company operates its own manufacturing facility, maintaining hygiene and consistency in every batch of oil produced. This level of control allows Gramiyaa to differentiate itself from competitors relying on third-party suppliers.
1.2 Revenue and Sales Channels
The company follows a diversified revenue model, selling through:
- Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) Platform: Online store offering various oils.
- E-Commerce and Quick Commerce: Available on major marketplaces.
- Offline Retail: Presence in key retail stores and supermarkets.
- Bulk Sales: Distribution to businesses and health-focused stores.
With quick commerce emerging as the fastest-growing sales channel, Gramiyaa is expanding its reach to cater to on-demand consumer needs.
2. Funding Background and Investment Insights
2.1 Investor Confidence and Market Potential
Homegrown Ventures, Campus Fund, and Mumbai Angels led the ₹7.2 crore pre-Series A round, reinvesting within a year after the seed round in 2024. This repeated investment indicates strong belief in Gramiyaa’s scalability and market opportunity.
2.2 Fund Utilization Plans
With this new capital, and funding that Gramiyaa secures will:
- Expand production capacity to 4 lakh litres per month.
- Enhance raw material sourcing for consistent quality.
- Improve manufacturing efficiencies and supply chain operations.
- Strengthen brand presence and consumer outreach.
- Scale its sales channels, particularly in the quick commerce sector.
3. Cold-Pressed Oil Market Trends and Consumer Shift
3.1 Evolving Consumer Preferences
The cold-pressed oil segment in India is witnessing rapid growth as consumers move towards healthier, unrefined food products. Increasing awareness about the benefits of traditional extraction methods has driven demand for brands like Gramiyaa.
3.2 Market Expansion and Growth Potential
As per industry estimates, the Indian cold-pressed oil market is growing at a CAGR of over 12%. With urban consumers prioritizing pure and chemical-free cooking oils, the demand for brands ensuring transparency and high standards is set to rise further.
4. Gramiyaa’s Competitive Edge and Long-Term Vision
4.1 Vertical Integration for Quality Control
Unlike many competitors relying on third-party suppliers, Gramiyaa controls its entire production, ensuring consistency, hygiene, and premium quality. The company sources premium seeds and uses traditional wood-press extraction methods combined with modern, hygienic facilities.
4.2 Expansion into New Markets
With its strengthened production capabilities, Gramiyaa aims to expand beyond Tamil Nadu into major Indian metros, catering to health-conscious urban consumers. The company’s growing ARR projection of ₹36 crore by March 2025 reflects this ambition.
4.3 Investor Insights on Gramiyaa’s Growth
Nader Amiri, General Partner at Homegrown Ventures, stated, “The cold-pressed oil industry in India is no longer a niche. Consumer demand is driving rapid expansion, and Gramiyaa is at the forefront, setting new quality and transparency benchmarks.”
5. Learning for Startups and Entrepreneurs
5.1 Importance of Vertical Integration
Owning the entire supply chain ensures product consistency and quality, a critical factor for consumer trust in food-based startups.
5.2 Scaling D2C and Quick Commerce
Startups must leverage online channels, quick commerce, and retail networks to maximize reach and sales potential in today’s fast-paced market.
5.3 Continuous Investor Engagement
Reinvestments from early-stage investors indicate strong business fundamentals. Consistently demonstrating growth and scalability attracts funding rounds.
5.4 Adapting to Consumer Trends
Understanding market shifts, such as the demand for natural and chemical-free products, enables startups to align their offerings with evolving consumer expectations.
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