Shark Tank India-featured Alpino raises $1.2 million, onboards Shilpa Shetty as brand ambassador

Surat-based health food brand Alpino has onboarded Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty as its brand ambassador and key investor. 

Alongside this, the Shark Tank India-featured startup also raised $1.2 million in its first funding round from notable investors such as Paresh Ghelani and angel investors from Aashar Capital.

What does Alpino do?

Alpino, founded in 2016 by six friends—Chetan Kanani, Hiren Sheta, Umesh Gajera, Priyank Vora, Milan Gopani, and Mahatva Sheta—has distinguished itself with its innovative use of peanuts to create a variety of healthy products.

The startup offers protein-rich products, including peanut butter, super-rolled oats, and super muesli.

“I’ve always believed in living a balanced life—staying healthy, but without stressing over it too much. Alpino embodies this philosophy perfectly; they truly make healthy eating fun. Their natural peanut butter has been a staple in my home; my kids love it too. It’s a brand I’ve trusted and enjoyed, so when the opportunity arose to become a part of Alpino, it felt like a natural fit, just like their products," Shetty said.

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Alpino's comeback after setbacks

Alpino has faced challenges, including a fire in its Surat warehouse last year, which temporarily halted operations and resulted in losses exceeding Rs 2 crore.

However, the startup bounced back with the launch of “Alpino 2.0,” achieving record-breaking revenue. 

Alpino plans to expand its presence both offline and internationally. Currently, the brand is available at over 6,000 retail locations across India, including chains like Reliance and Godrej's Nature’s Basket, and in more than 10 countries globally. 

It aims to introduce over 20 new products in the next two years.

Leadership comments

Chetan Kanani, CEO and co-founder of Alpino, said, “We are beyond thrilled to welcome Shilpa Shetty to Alpino. Shilpa’s dedication to transforming India’s approach to health and her genuine love for our products make her the ideal face for our brand. Her zestful, fun-loving nature and passion towards fitness align perfectly with our brand positioning that healthy eating should be fun and not a burden. We are confident that Shilpa’s influence will inspire more people to embrace a protein-rich lifestyle."ni.

Focused on expanding reach

Alpino is focused on making India protein-sufficient without sacrificing taste or quality. The brand plans to further expand its market reach while continuing to innovate with new products.

“I see Alpino as more than just a brand—it’s a movement towards healthier living. The founders’ passion for creating high-quality, accessible nutrition aligns perfectly with my vision of empowering individuals to lead better lives. Together, we can drive a significant shift in how people perceive and consume nutrition," said Paresh Ghelani.