Image Source: Times of India
Reliance Consumer Moves to Acquire Majority Stake in Shunya, a Premium Zero-Sugar Drink Brand
In a strategic push to dominate India’s fast-evolving beverage market, Reliance Consumer Products Ltd (RCPL), the FMCG arm of Reliance Retail Ventures, is in advanced talks to acquire a majority stake in Shunya, a premium zero-sugar functional drink brand owned by Baidyanath Group’s Naturedge Beverages. The move marks Mukesh Ambani’s fourth major acquisition in the beverage space, signaling Reliance’s aggressive expansion into health-focused consumer categories.
Key Highlights from the Acquisition Talks
- Reliance Consumer is negotiating a majority stake in Shunya, a herb-based zero-sugar drink brand
- Shunya offers functional beverages in flavors like zesty apple and zesty orange
- The deal would be Reliance’s fourth beverage acquisition after Campa, Sosyo, and RasKik
- Financial terms and stake size remain undisclosed as talks are ongoing
- The acquisition aligns with Reliance’s strategy to build a diversified FMCG portfolio
Why Shunya? A Strategic Fit for Reliance’s Wellness Vision
Founded in 2018 by Siddhesh Sharma, a third-generation heir of the Baidyanath Group, Naturedge Beverages created Shunya to tap into the growing demand for functional, herb-based drinks. With urban consumers increasingly shifting away from sugary sodas toward wellness-oriented beverages, Shunya’s zero-sugar positioning makes it a compelling addition to Reliance’s portfolio.
- Shunya’s herbal formulations resonate with Ayurveda-conscious consumers
- The brand targets urban millennials and Gen Z with health-first messaging
- Reliance aims to leverage Shunya’s niche appeal to compete with global giants like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo
Reliance’s Expanding Beverage Playbook
If finalized, the Shunya deal will be the latest in a series of beverage acquisitions by Reliance Consumer. The company previously acquired legacy brands Campa-Cola, Sosyo, and RasKik, and also markets the sports hydration drink Spinner. These moves reflect Reliance’s broader ambition to build a national beverage empire that spans traditional, functional, and indulgent categories.
- Campa-Cola revived as a nostalgic cola brand
- Sosyo and RasKik cater to regional and fruit-based drink segments
- Spinner targets the sports and fitness market
- Shunya adds a wellness-focused, zero-sugar offering to the mix
Market Dynamics and Competitive Landscape
India’s beverage market is undergoing a transformation, with health-conscious consumers driving demand for low-sugar and functional drinks. Sales of no-sugar beverages doubled in 2024, and the trend is expected to accelerate in 2025. Reliance’s entry into this space puts it in direct competition with Dabur, Tata Consumer, Coca-Cola, and PepsiCo, all of whom are ramping up their functional drink portfolios.
- Functional drinks are growing faster than traditional sodas, though from a smaller base
- Urban India is the primary driver of demand, with rising awareness of sugar-related health risks
- Reliance plans to invest ₹8,000 crore over the next 12–15 months to expand beverage capacity
- Nearly a dozen new greenfield and co-packing plants are in the pipeline
Outlook: A Healthier Future for Reliance’s FMCG Ambitions
The potential acquisition of Shunya is more than just a business deal—it’s a signal of Reliance’s intent to shape the future of India’s beverage consumption. By integrating Ayurveda-inspired formulations with modern branding, Reliance is positioning itself at the intersection of tradition and innovation.
- The deal could unlock new distribution channels for Shunya across Reliance Retail’s vast network
- Brand synergies with Reliance’s existing FMCG assets may drive cross-category growth
- The move reinforces Mukesh Ambani’s vision of building a consumer empire rooted in health, scale, and accessibility
Source: Economic Times Retail
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