Hocco: The Sweet Revival of India’s Ice Cream Heritage From Havmor to Hocco: A Legacy Reimagined

The story of Hocco is intrinsically linked to the journey of Havmor, one of India’s most beloved ice cream brands. Established in 1944 by Satish Chona in Karachi (then part of undivided India), the brand began as a modest ice cream parlour. Post-Partition, the Chona family relocated to Ahmedabad, Gujarat, where they re-established their business, eventually renaming it “Havmor”—a clever play on the phrase “Have More”.

Under the stewardship of Satish’s son, Pradeep Chona, Havmor grew rapidly across Gujarat. The company modernised its manufacturing processes and expanded its product range. By the early 2000s, Havmor had become synonymous with quality ice cream, boasting a presence across 14 states with over 160 product variants and a robust distribution network of 30,000 dealers. Operating two plants in Ahmedabad, Havmor produced nearly two lakh litres of ice cream daily during peak season. In 2005, the third generation, Ankit Chona, joined the business, bringing in fresh ideas and a national expansion outlook.

In 2017, the Chona family made the strategic decision to sell the ice cream division of Havmor to South Korea’s Lotte Confectionery for ₹1,020 crore. This move allowed the family to shift focus to their restaurant operations and explore other avenues within the food industry.

The Birth and Rise of Hocco

After a five-year non-compete period following the sale of Havmor, Ankit Chona re-entered the ice cream space in 2019 with the launch of Hocco—short for House of Chonas Collaborative. The new brand sought to blend the family’s legacy with evolving consumer tastes.

By 2023, Hocco had scaled up significantly, with over 100 outlets across India. Its diversified portfolio includes:

• Hocco Eatery: A casual dining brand offering fusion cuisine inspired by traditional family recipes.
  
• 1944 The Hocco Kitchen: A nod to the original brand, presenting authentic dishes prepared using modern techniques.
  
• Hocco Ready-to-Eat: Packaged food products catering to the on-the-go consumer.
  
• Huber & Holly: A premium ice cream brand known for inventive flavours and freshly churned offerings. In 2023, it marked its international debut with a QSR outlet in Virginia, USA.
  

Financial Trajectory and Investments

Hocco’s growth narrative is underpinned by strategic investments and sharp revenue acceleration.

• Revenue Growth: In FY24, the company reported revenues of ₹35 crore. It is targeting ₹200 crore in FY25 and expects to double that to ₹400 crore by FY26.
  
• Funding Milestones: In May 2025, Hocco raised $10 million (₹83 crore) as part of an ongoing Series B round targeting $20 million. The round was co-led by the Chona Family Office and Sauce VC, which currently holds a 10% stake in the company.
  
• Valuation and Expansion: The latest funding round valued the company at ₹600 crore. An additional ₹80 crore is earmarked for capital expenditure, including a new manufacturing facility in North India.
  
• Production Scale: Hocco currently operates a 7-acre plant in Gujarat with a capacity of 40,000 litres per day. Plans are underway to expand this to 1.5 lakh litres daily to meet growing demand.
  

Market Strategy and Expansion Plans

Domestic Market: Gujarat remains Hocco’s stronghold, but expansion into Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and the Delhi-NCR region is progressing rapidly. This push is supported by quick commerce platforms like Zepto and Blinkit, which now account for 8–10% of sales—a share expected to double soon. This digital-first distribution strategy caters to modern consumers seeking instant gratification.

International Footprint: With a successful launch in the U.S., Hocco is eyeing 5–8 new outlets across North America, including Canada—highlighting the brand’s global ambitions.

Product Diversification: Hocco offers more than 150 SKUs, blending timeless classics with experimental varieties. Its premium label, Huber & Holly, features exotic options like Pondicherry Vanilla and Sicilian Pistachio. Health-conscious consumers are also being catered to—sugar-free variants now make up 2% of the product portfolio, a figure that has doubled in recent years.

Innovation and Consumer Engagement

Innovation lies at the heart of Hocco’s consumer strategy. The “Boss Bars” series—featuring indulgent flavours like biscotti and charcoal lychee—offers an elevated dessert experience aimed at adventurous palates.

To address growing health awareness, the company has rolled out sugar-free and low-calorie options, targeting consumers who want to enjoy guilt-free indulgence. These additions reflect Hocco’s sensitivity to changing dietary preferences.

Hocco’s collaboration with Zepto and Blinkit also speaks volumes about its modern marketing approach. Recognising that ice cream is often an impulse buy, the brand’s partnership with rapid delivery platforms helps fulfil cravings in minutes. This not only drives customer satisfaction but also boosts visibility in the competitive online space.

Strategic Outlook

Domestic Strategy: Hocco aims to deepen its presence in Gujarat while expanding into South and East India to achieve a pan-India footprint.

International Goals: The brand plans to solidify its North American operations through additional outlets and export partnerships, signalling its confidence in its global appeal.

Product Innovation: Staying true to its roots while embracing novelty, Hocco continues to prioritise flavour experimentation and health-forward formulations. This balanced strategy appeals to a wide demographic—those seeking both indulgence and wellness.

Conclusion

From its origins in the Havmor legacy to its re-emergence as Hocco, the Chona family’s journey reflects resilience, reinvention, and foresight. Anchored in Gujarat, the brand has extended its reach to Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Delhi-NCR, with ambitious plans for Southern and Eastern India.

Its foray into the U.S. and upcoming North American outlets mark a strategic leap into international markets. With offerings like Boss Bars and health-friendly options, Hocco is aligning with both traditional tastes and evolving lifestyle trends.

Leveraging digital delivery platforms, product innovation, and sound financial backing, Hocco is not just rebuilding a brand—it is redefining what India’s modern ice cream experience can be. A compelling fusion of heritage and innovation, Hocco is fast emerging as a serious contender in India’s FMCG sector and a name to watch in the global frozen dessert arena.