Lipika Gunti Hyderabad

Ona hot summer afternoon, it feels like the only thing that can cool the body is a glass of coconut water or fresh sugarcane juice. These drinks are the ultimate sources of hydration, rich in minerals, and easy on the stomach. A coconut water-cum-sugarcane juice vendor said they are in this business as they have no other source of livelihood.

Vendors typically sell around 100 coconuts per day during peak summers and 25–50 per day in other seasons. The business usually starts with dealers buying coconuts from bulk wholesalers or farms at approximately Rs 15 to Rs 25 per coconut. The retail price ranges from Rs 40 to Rs 60, depending on the size of the coconut and the stall’s location. On average, vendors earn a profit of about Rs 15,000 to Rs 60,000 per month, depending on the season and daily sales.

Sugarcane juice is sourced from 10–15 canes, costing around Rs 200 to Rs 300, yielding about 100 glasses. There is generally a shortage of canes in summer, and profits may vary slightly. A single glass of juice sells between Rs 20 and Rs 40. In busy traffic areas, vendors sell 150 to 250 glasses daily, generating Rs 3,000 to Rs 6,000 in revenue. Profit margins are slightly higher, netting operators Rs 1,500 to Rs 4,000 on peak summer days.

Key challenges include spoilage and storage. Tender coconuts require heavy ice blocks during scorching temperatures, while sugarcane must remain fresh to avoid souring, as waste accumulates quickly.

The initial investment for a heavy-duty electric or battery-operated sugarcane juice machine and cart typically runs between Rs 20,000 and Rs 50,000. Prime spots for these stalls—near metro stations like Khairatabad, Ameerpet, IT parks (Hi-Tech City), busy parks, and main roads—largely dictate margins.

Though these businesses fall under the unorganised sector, they play a crucial role in survival and hydration during scorching summers.