Reliance Consumer Products Ltd (RCPL), the FMCG arm of Reliance Retail Ventures, is in early-stage talks to acquire a majority stake in Shunya, the zero-sugar, herb-based fruit drink brand from Baidyanath Group’s Naturedge Beverages. The potential acquisition is part of Reliance’s broader Rs 8,000 crore investment plan to expand aggressively into the beverage sector over the next 12–15 months.
Shunya, launched in 2018 by Siddhesh Sharma—a third-generation heir of the legacy Ayurvedic giant Baidyanath—offers functional drinks infused with herbs and no added sugar. The brand is positioned in the fast-growing health and wellness category, with popular flavours like Zesty Apple and Zesty Orange appealing to urban, health-conscious consumers.
If the deal is finalized, it would mark RCPL’s fourth strategic acquisition in the beverages space, following earlier takeovers of Campa Cola, Sosyo, and RasKik. The company is also expanding its portfolio with in-house offerings like the Spinner sports drink.
Reliance’s aggressive play in beverages reflects its strategy of investing in mid-sized, high-growth consumer brands across segments including drinks, snacks, and confectionery. Its growing FMCG portfolio now includes names like Ravalgaon, Toffeeman, Lotus Chocolates, and Sil Foods.
Executives familiar with the matter noted that the demand for low- and no-sugar beverages in India doubled in 2024—the fastest growth yet, albeit on a smaller base. This trend is largely driven by a rising urban preference for health-conscious and functional drink options, aligning well with Shunya’s positioning.
To support this expansion, Reliance is also planning to add about a dozen new greenfield and co-packing plants to scale up production, aiming to compete head-to-head with major players like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Dabur, and Tata Consumer.
With the potential acquisition of Shunya, Reliance is not just expanding its beverage portfolio—it’s entering the Ayurvedic, functional beverage space with a strong urban appeal, signaling its ambition to redefine the FMCG landscape in India.
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