Ankit Chona: The Visionary Behind Hocco Ice Cream's Meteoric Rise

Ankit Chona: The Visionary Behind the Rise of Hocco Ice Cream

1. From Havmor to Hocco – A Legacy Reinvented

Ankit Chona hails from the family that founded Havmor Ice Cream in 1944. After selling Havmor to South Korea's Lotte Group in 2017 for ₹1,020 crore, Ankit decided not to rest on past achievements. Instead, he reinvented the legacy with a modern twist by launching Hocco Ice Cream in 2023, keeping the essence of quality and tradition alive while aiming at a more premium and innovation-driven market.

2. Launch of Hocco Ice Cream in 2023

Hocco was launched in October 2023, with Ankit Chona as its Managing Director. The brand quickly captured attention with its bold flavors, modern packaging, and a strategic blend of nostalgia and novelty. Hocco became a symbol of fresh beginnings in the premium frozen dessert space.

3. Massive Funding and Ambitious Valuation

In early 2024, Hocco secured ₹100 crore in funding, pushing the company’s valuation to a remarkable ₹600 crore. This funding round helped accelerate their national expansion plans, develop a wide range of products, and strengthen the brand’s logistics and supply chain capabilities.

4. Rapid Retail Expansion Across India

Hocco has grown swiftly, establishing over 150 outlets and reaching 15,000+ retail touchpoints within just a year. The company plans to open 250 stores across India in the coming months, making it one of the fastest-growing new food brands in the country.

5. Diverse Product Offerings and Innovations

From exotic seasonal flavors to sugar-free and health-conscious options, Hocco’s menu is tailored for modern Indian consumers. They have also introduced ready-to-eat frozen desserts and gourmet variants, aiming to cater to both traditional ice cream lovers and new-age foodies.

6. Strong Focus on Sustainability and Operations

Ankit has made sustainability a core principle of Hocco’s operations. Their Ahmedabad facility operates with zero liquid discharge, ensuring responsible water use. They are also investing in eco-friendly packaging solutions, signaling their long-term commitment to the environment.

7. Targeting ₹450 Crore Revenue by FY26

Hocco closed FY25 with ₹220 crore in revenue and has now set its sights on ₹420–₹450 crore for FY26. Ankit’s leadership is driving aggressive, calculated growth with a firm focus on scale, customer satisfaction, and market leadership in the premium ice cream category.