From Mumbai Streets to Manufacturing Plant: The Remarkable Transformation of Sanjay Prasad Bari
In 2006, Sanjay Prasad Bari navigated the congested lanes of Mumbai as an auto rickshaw driver, a humble beginning that would set the stage for an extraordinary entrepreneurial journey. Today, nearly two decades later, he strides confidently across the floor of his own beverage manufacturing facility, deeply engaged in discussions about production targets and strategic distribution plans.
The Gradual Evolution from Retail to Manufacturing
This dramatic career shift did not occur suddenly or without significant effort. Bari's initial foray into the beverage industry began modestly through local soda pubs, where he acquired fundamental knowledge about flavor profiles, pricing strategies, and customer preferences. As his experience deepened, he gradually mastered the complex backend operations of the trade – including sourcing ingredients, bottling processes, profit margins, and scaling principles.
This comprehensive exposure slowly cultivated a more ambitious vision: to transition from retail operations to full-scale manufacturing. That vision materialized with the establishment of Three Sisters Drinks, operating under Adhar Beverages Private Limited.
The Strategic Foundation of Three Sisters Drinks
Founded in 2021 alongside co-founders Nimish Solanki, Akshay Solanki, and Manish Kanunga, the company implemented a dual-pronged business approach from its inception. The organization simultaneously develops and markets its own beverage brands while providing contract manufacturing services for other companies.
According to the founders, this practical strategy emerged from economic necessity. Operating a beverage manufacturing plant involves substantial fixed costs. By producing beverages for external brands alongside their own products, the company maintains consistent facility utilization and ensures predictable cash flow patterns.
Impressive Financial Performance and Market Expansion
This manufacturing-first philosophy has become the cornerstone of the company's growth trajectory. During the last financial year, Three Sisters Drinks reported revenues of approximately ₹11.9 crore. The company anticipates closing the current fiscal year with revenues reaching around ₹26 crore while maintaining profitability throughout its operations.
The brand has successfully expanded its market presence across multiple Indian states and has established export channels to numerous international markets. The founders attribute their expansion to consistent repeat orders from both domestic and overseas clients, which have provided stable support for their growth initiatives.
Shark Tank India Recognition and Recent Funding
The founders gained national attention when they appeared on Shark Tank India Season 5, arriving at the show in an auto rickshaw as a symbolic tribute to Bari's origins. While the episode generated significant public interest in their entrepreneurial journey and business model, the company's expansion plans were already well underway before the television appearance.
Recently, the firm secured ₹2.51 crore in funding from independent investors. These financial resources are expected to support capacity expansion initiatives, broader distribution networks, and operational improvements at their manufacturing facility.
A Philosophy of Steady, Sustainable Growth
Despite increased visibility and investor interest, the founders describe their business approach as measured and sustainable rather than aggressively expansionist. Their current focus remains on enhancing production efficiency, maintaining healthy profit margins, and methodically building demand across individual markets.
For Bari, the business represents more than symbolic transformation from transporting passengers to managing a manufacturing enterprise. It embodies principles of consistency and perseverance. The lessons from his early years – characterized by long working hours, narrow profit margins, and daily uncertainty – continue to shape his perspective on risk management and growth strategies.
What originated on Mumbai's bustling roads has evolved into a manufacturing venture with global aspirations. This journey reflects not merely a professional transition, but a gradual ascent achieved through continuous learning, strategic adaptation, and deliberate scaling of operations.
