Hey there! Do you remember those colorful “chuskis” from your childhood, the icy treats sold by friendly street vendors under the hot sun? Now imagine biting into one, but this time it’s made with pure ingredients and a lot of heart, brought to you by India’s first homegrown ice pop brand Skippi Ice Pops.
Skippi Ice Pops brand story: How Ravi and Anuja Kabra built Skippi Ice Pops from scratch, turning a childhood treat into a successful startup loved by kids and adults alike.
Ravi Kabra and Anuja Kabra: A Startup Story That Melts Hearts
Meet Ravi Kabra and Anuja Kabra, the dynamic husband-wife duo behind Skippi Ice Pops, India’s first branded ice pops company that took the country by storm after their Shark Tank India debut.
In this blog, we’ll walk through how they built Skippi from scratch, the ups and downs of their journey, and what made them stand out in a crowded startup ecosystem.
Nostalgia Meets Innovation: How Journey Starts
Back in 2020, while most of us were stuck at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ravi and Anuja were brainstorming business ideas. They had just returned to India after years in Australia and wanted to launch a brand that combined nostalgia with innovation.
While exploring food and beverage gaps in the Indian market, they noticed something strange ice pops were still being sold by local vendors, mostly in unbranded, unhygienic packaging. There was no trusted brand offering clean, tasty, and preservative-free ice pops. That’s when the lightbulb went off.
“We wanted to bring back the joy of ice pops, but in a safe, clean, and colorful way,” Ravi once said in an interview.
Both Ravi and Anuja brought to the table over 17 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, having worked hands-on in everything from compliance to international logistics. They understood product safety, supply chains, and consumer needs.
“We wanted to build a 100% natural ice pops brand that families could trust.”
-Ravi Kabra, Co-Founder
From Idea to Execution: Building the Skippi Brand
With a strong background in F&B distribution and business development, Ravi took charge of operations, while Anuja led branding, packaging, and marketing.
Their first major challenge? Creating an ice pop that would be free from artificial flavors, synthetic colors, and preservatives, yet taste just as good as what people remembered.
It wasn’t easy. They spent months on R&D, working with food technologists to get the perfect formula. Eventually, they nailed it—offering 100% natural, gluten-free, and India’s first branded ice pops.
The Breakthrough: Shark Tank India Pitch
In 2021, Ravi and Anuja pitched their brand on Shark Tank India Season 1. The episode quickly became a fan favorite.
They asked for ₹45 lakhs in exchange for 5% equity. What happened next was remarkable, all five sharks made an offer, and eventually, they accepted a combined deal with five sharks including Ashneer Grover, Aman Gupta, and others.
This was India’s first all-shark deal, a rare moment that made the startup world sit up and take notice.
From Shark tank india, Not only did they get funds, but also mentorship, distribution help, and massive visibility.
Rapid Growth: From One Factory to National Presence
Post Shark Tank, Skippi saw a 350% jump in sales. Their products began appearing in:
- Supermarkets across India
- Online platforms like Amazon and BigBasket
- Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities
- Even school canteens and birthday party packs
Ravi and Anuja scaled their manufacturing capacity, built a robust supply chain, and started launching seasonal flavors and value packs to meet diverse demands.
What makes Skippi different?
- It doesn’t need refrigeration during storage (shelf-stable)
- Hygienically packed, child-safe products
- Vibrant, Instagrammable branding
All of this helped them become the go-to ice pop brand in India.
The Power of Storytelling and Branding
A big part of Skippi’s success comes from how well the founders told their story. On social media, they didn’t just sell a product they sold a feeling of nostalgia, family fun, and trust.
They used platforms like Instagram and YouTube Shorts to show:
- Behind-the-scenes at the factory
- Fun kid reactions to new flavors
- Flashback stories of growing up with ice pops
Anuja’s touch was visible in the design and storytelling. The brand felt fresh, clean, and very “now,” while still rooted in the past.
Challenges They Faced (and How They Overcame Them)
No startup is all sunshine. Ravi and Anuja had their share of struggles too:
1. Supply Chain Woes
During COVID-19, transportation and packaging material shortages affected operations. They quickly pivoted to local sourcing and found backup vendors to reduce delays.
2. Skepticism from Retailers
Many shopkeepers were hesitant to stock a new brand. To counter this, Ravi offered low-risk stocking plans, free trials, and focused on customer repeat rate to convince them.
3. Pricing Pressure
Local vendors sold ice pops for ₹1-2. Skippi’s packs were more premium. But through brand value, clean labeling, and flavor innovation, they justified the higher price.
The Skippi Mission: Not Just a Summer Treat
Skippi isn’t just about colorful ice treats. The Kabras have a larger vision:
“We want to make Skippi a household name, not just in India but globally. We dream of exporting happiness,” says Anuja.
They’re already exploring export markets, launching new sugar-free versions, and even looking at innovative packaging to make ice pops more eco-friendly.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
If you’re someone who dreams of starting your own brand, Ravi and Anuja’s journey is full of inspiration.
Here are a few takeaways:
- Find a market gap and validate it with real research
- Build a brand that connects emotionally
- Never compromise on quality, even if it costs more
- Pitch your story well, funding often follows storytelling
- Adapt quickly to market challenges and feedback
Final Thoughts: The Ice Pops That Changed the Game
Skippi’s story isn’t just a tale of sweet success, it’s a reminder that great businesses can be built on simple childhood joys.
From humble beginnings to national fame, Ravi and Anuja Kabra have shown us that if you pair a meaningful idea with hard work and smart branding, there’s nothing you can’t achieve.
So next time you see a pack of Skippi Ice Pops in the freezer, remember you’re not just buying a treat; you’re tasting a dream that melted its way into millions of hearts.
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