Chennai-based agritech startup Fragaria Fruits, known for its premium fruit brand Oh Fruits, has raised $2 million (INR 17.66 crore) in a seed funding round. The round was led by WEH Ventures, with participation from Rainmatter, Spiral Ventures, and Sashi Kumar, founder of Akshayakalpa Organic.
This funding is a major milestone for Fragaria Fruits as it looks to transform India’s premium fruit market with sustainably grown, pesticide-free produce through innovative vertical farming and controlled environment agriculture (CEA).
Read Also :- Is Apple Quietly Building Its Biggest Market Outside China in India?
Scaling Operations in Bengaluru
The startup plans to use the funds to scale its production facility in Bengaluru, with a goal of boosting its daily fruit output to 120–150 kilograms. This expansion is a crucial step in meeting rising consumer demand for high-quality, clean-label fruits in urban India.
Currently focused on strawberries, Fragaria Fruits will now diversify its portfolio to include blueberries and raspberries—two fruits that are typically imported and often priced beyond the reach of average Indian consumers. By growing these berries locally, Fragaria aims to offer fresh, traceable, and affordable alternatives.
Founders with Global Vision
Founded in 2024 by Harish Varadharajan, Timothy Chad Van Niekerk, and Damián López Salazar, Fragaria Fruits combines local expertise with global best practices in sustainable agriculture. The trio brings together deep experience in farming innovation, supply chain management, and consumer-centric branding.
At the heart of their mission is a commitment to year-round production using climate-resilient methods. Their indoor farming systems eliminate the use of harmful pesticides, reduce water usage significantly, and provide a consistent supply of nutrient-rich fruits regardless of external weather conditions.
Meeting India’s Demand for Clean, Traceable Foods
India is seeing a growing demand for organic and traceable food products, especially among health-conscious millennials and Gen Z consumers. Fragaria Fruits positions itself at the intersection of this trend, offering not only clean produce but also a farm-to-fork transparency that builds consumer trust.
The Oh Fruits brand is gaining recognition for its premium packaging, exceptional taste, and eco-friendly farming practices, carving out a niche in the emerging premium fresh produce category.
Backing from Strategic Investors
The participation of investors like Rainmatter (backed by Zerodha) and Spiral Ventures signals strong market confidence in Fragaria’s long-term potential. Sashi Kumar’s involvement also brings valuable insights from the organic farming ecosystem, potentially opening avenues for strategic collaboration and distribution.
Future Outlook
With the new funding, Fragaria Fruits is well-positioned to become a leading player in India’s controlled-environment agriculture sector. As it ramps up production and adds new fruit varieties, the startup aims to make high-quality, sustainable produce more accessible to Indian households.
As Indian consumers increasingly prioritize health, sustainability, and transparency, Fragaria Fruits’ model aligns perfectly with the future of food.
