Healthy Food Brand Salad Days Raises Capital to Expand Reach and Operations
In a significant move to scale its operations, Salad Days, the healthy food brand, has raised Rs 30 crore (approximately $3.6 million) in its Series A funding round. Co-led by V3 Ventures and Client Associates Alternate Fund (CAAF), this funding marks a crucial milestone for the company. The fresh capital will help Salad Days broaden its footprint and enhance operational capabilities, after over a decade of profitable, bootstrapped growth.
Founded in 2014, Salad Days has steadily carved a niche in India’s competitive healthy food space, operating a network of 25 cloud kitchens across the country. It has a solid presence in key metro cities, including 12 outlets in Delhi-NCR, 9 in Bengaluru, and 4 in Mumbai. With an ever-expanding menu that goes beyond salads, it offers everything from grain bowls to smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and desserts.
Strategic Focus on Omnichannel Growth
With a focus on its omnichannel strategy, Salad Days is set to ramp up its expansion efforts. The capital infusion will be deployed towards opening new stores, expanding its technological infrastructure, and enhancing marketing efforts. As the company targets a broader audience, it plans to improve its operational processes to better serve customers in a fast-growing market.
In a statement, Varun Madan, founder and CEO of Salad Days, emphasized the brand’s position to take advantage of India’s booming healthy food market. “The healthy food market in India is expected to hit $30 billion by 2026, and we’re excited to cater to the rising demand for wholesome, affordable meals,” Madan said.
Salad Days already serves its customers through its website, centralized phone lines, and major food delivery platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, and ONDC. The company’s menu has gained popularity among health-conscious individuals looking for nutritious options without breaking the bank.
Expansion Plans: Technology and Talent Acquisition
One of the key components of Salad Days’ expansion strategy involves investing in technology. With the influx of funding, the brand plans to improve its online and offline offerings. This includes bolstering its e-commerce platform, refining customer experience, and adopting new tools to streamline operations.
Additionally, Salad Days intends to ramp up its hiring efforts. The company will be looking to bring on board new talent to help scale its operations across different verticals, such as store management, supply chain, and marketing. This move is expected to strengthen the company’s position as a leader in the healthy food space.
The company’s long-term vision is to offer a seamless experience for customers, whether ordering online or enjoying a meal in one of its brick-and-mortar locations. With its omnichannel approach, Salad Days is positioning itself for sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving market.
Industry Context and Market Trends
The healthy food sector in India has witnessed a surge in demand, with consumers becoming increasingly health-conscious. The market for nutritious and wholesome meals is expected to reach $30 billion by 2026, a growth trajectory that Salad Days is keen to leverage.
With the rise of urbanization, busy lifestyles, and growing awareness about wellness, the demand for healthier meal options has skyrocketed. Brands like Salad Days are capitalizing on this trend by offering an extensive range of meals that cater to diverse dietary preferences, whether it’s vegan, gluten-free, or high-protein.
Given the increasing competition in the sector, Salad Days’ focus on affordability and quality is expected to help it capture a larger share of the market. Its menu diversity, paired with its tech-driven approach to customer service, makes it a brand to watch as the healthy food revolution continues to unfold in India.
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