Indian cinema star Rana Daggubati has entered the rapidly expanding spirits market with the launch of his tequila brand, Loca Loka, in Delhi. This move places him among the growing list of actors who have introduced their own alcohol brands in India during 2025.
India's Tequila Market Boom
The timing of this launch aligns perfectly with India's surging demand for premium spirits. The Indian tequila market reached an impressive USD 600.1 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 12.1%, potentially reaching USD 1.68 billion by 2033. Industry data reveals even more striking growth, with agave-based spirits volume increasing by 36% in 2024 alone.
This explosive growth is driven by multiple factors including rising disposable incomes, the expansion of urban cocktail culture, and the ongoing premiumization of spirits among Indian consumers. The market segment is expected to exceed $76 million specifically in 2025, indicating strong short-term potential.
The Loca Loka Story and Team
Loca Loka represents a collaborative effort between actor Rana Daggubati, entrepreneur Sree Harsha Vadlamudi, and composer Anirudh Ravichander. The brand made its international debut in late 2024 with launches in the United States and Southeast Asian markets before arriving in India.
The name itself tells a story of cultural fusion. "Loca" means "crazy" in Spanish, while "Loka" translates to "world" in Sanskrit, creating the brand identity of "crazy world." This bilingual naming reflects the product's cross-cultural origins and appeal.
At the India launch, the brand introduced two variants to Indian consumers: Loca Loka Blanco and Reposado. Both expressions have already gained international recognition, winning awards at prestigious competitions including the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2025, New York International Spirits Competition, Miami World Spirits Competition, and the WSWA Wine & Spirits Tasting Competition in Denver.
Strategic Market Entry and Vision
The initial distribution strategy focuses on key metropolitan centers and travel hubs. The tequila will first appear in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, along with major airport duty-free stores, leveraging India's rapidly growing premium spirits segment.
Rana Daggubati emphasized the brand's narrative-driven approach during the launch event. "Storytelling is the spine of this brand because it's not just a bottle, it's a cultural remix," the actor stated. "Loca Loka lets us celebrate two worlds at once: Mexico's terroir and India's colour and rhythm. The launch will be a narrative in motion."
The production maintains authentic Mexican roots, with the tequila crafted in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico under the supervision of third-generation distiller Willy Bañuelos Ramírez, who serves as Head of Production at the Jalisco distillery.
According to Ramírez, the brand aims to create a new conversation between Mexico's agave heritage and India's evolving, adventurous palate. This launch represents more than just another spirits brand—it signifies a cultural crossover that the production team is proud to introduce to the Indian market.
As celebrity-backed alcohol brands continue to emerge in India, Loca Loka distinguishes itself through its award-winning quality, cultural narrative, and strategic market timing, positioning itself to capitalize on India's growing appetite for premium tequila experiences.
