Sahil Chopra's Coconut flavoured milkshake company story isn’t your typical business tale—it’s a high-speed chase from near disaster to game-changing success.
The founder of The Coco Company didn’t just dip his toes into the New Zealand beverage market; he jumped in, fully ready to make waves.
“I lost almost everything in an investment and was very close to being bankrupt,” Sahil recalls. “I wanted to give it one last shot.”
The idea for The Coco Company was born out of near financial ruin. What started as an attempt to rebuild turned into a game-changing product—lactose-free, dairy-free coconut milk in tropical flavours, catering to an underserved market.
A young Kiwi-Indian entrepreneur, Sahil arrived in New Zealand at 17 from Punjab’s Ferozepur in India, with a dream of building something of his own.
Sahil pursued a degree in international business management, but his journey wasn't easy.
"I worked in a restaurant washing dishes, and even though it was tough, I enjoyed it because it was my first job," he recalls.
"I stayed there until I completed my studies."
He emphasises the effort it took: "I remember cycling 10-12 kilometers every day just to save on bus fare."
By 2023, after saving some money and borrowing the rest, Sahil launched The Coco Company, a brand that is now making waves in the New Zealand beverage market.
It took over a year to perfect the recipes, ensuring the drinks tasted as close to dairy milk as possible. Finally, in October 2023, The Coco Company hit the shelves. The response was immediate. Within a short span, Sahil saw his sales cross $350,000, a milestone that solidified his belief in the brand. “Things have changed quickly,” he says. His wife, Tamanna, joined him in 2024, taking charge of administrative work and product sampling in supermarkets. Together, they’ve built a business that continues to grow rapidly.
Why Coconut?
While the market offers a variety of plant-based milk options, Sahil chose coconut for its natural richness and versatility. “Coconut stood out because of its creamy texture and delicious taste,” he explains. “Unlike some plant-based options that require heavy processing, coconut is naturally satisfying.”
"Out of all the single-serve coconut milk options on the market, The Coco Company is the only one offering a completely dairy-free and lactose-free choice," he adds.
Sahil wanted to create more than just an alternative—he aimed for a preferred choice. The flavours reflect this vision, with The Coco Company offering Original (Coconut), Mango, Strawberry, and Melon. The products are now stocked in over 200 supermarkets, including Pak’nSave, New World, Fresh Choice, Four Square, Mobil petrol stations,Crackerjack and select Indian stores. They’ve even made their way into the mini bars at Pullman Rotorua, a five-star hotel.
“Thanks to the sales team’s tremendous efforts, the products are stocked in over 200 supermarkets,” Sahil shares.
The Coco Company milkshake bottles/Photo: Supplied
Challenges and Growth
Starting a business from scratch was not without its struggles. “The biggest challenge was getting the flavours right without compromising quality,” Sahil admits. He spent six months testing samples from a manufacturer in Vietnam every two weeks. “Our first shipment was a disaster, but I didn’t give up.”
Navigating logistics was another hurdle. From compliance approvals to packaging design, Sahil had to tackle every aspect of the business. “It wasn’t always easy, but the excitement of bringing my vision to life kept me going.”
His perseverance has paid off, with a rapidly growing customer base and expansion plans on the horizon, Sahil is preparing to launch a new snacks brand in May and aims to introduce The Coco Company to Woolworths NZ and the Australian market later this year.
A Minimalist Vision
Simplicity is at the heart of The Coco Company’s branding. “I designed the packaging in my notebook and had a designer bring it to life,” Sahil shares. He wanted a clean, minimal aesthetic where customers could instantly identify the product and flavour. Sustainability was also a key consideration, leading to the use of glass bottles that can be reused or recycled.
A Family-Backed Dream
Sahil credits much of his success to the unwavering support of his family, especially his wife. “My family has always trusted my gut feelings and encouraged me to do what I love. They are very proud of me.”
As someone who is dairy-intolerant himself, Sahil understands the frustration of limited alternatives. His passion for both business and creating a great-tasting product has driven him to turn The Coco Company into a household name.
Advice for Young Entrepreneurs
For those dreaming of starting a business, Sahil keeps it real: take risks, but make them smart ones. “Every setback is a lesson. Don’t be scared of failing—just fail forward.”
And he’s not a fan of the one-size-fits-all ‘hustle culture’ advice. “Waking up at 5 AM works for some, but if you’re more productive at 10 PM, own it. Productivity isn’t about the time on the clock, it’s about what works for you.”
His secret? Relentless persistence and knowing when to adapt. From small-town boy to Kiwi business man, Sahil’s story tells us that sometimes taking a leap of faith can land you in a pool of flavourful coconut milkshakes!