From Fizz to Fresh: A Guide to India’s Soft Drinks Market

India’s soft drinks, juices, and energy drinks market is as vibrant and diverse as its culture. With a population that craves both tradition and innovation, the market has witnessed the rise of iconic Indian brands and the entry of global giants, all vying for a place in the Indian consumer’s glass. While the Indian soft drink and juice market is dominated by global giants but Indian brands are now pushing back and claiming their space in the market.  Let’s take a refreshing sip through some of the most iconic and emerging brands in India’s fizzy, fruity, and energizing world.

1. Frooti – The Mango Powerhouse

Frooti, owned by Parle Agro, is India’s beloved mango drink, launched in 1985 in innovative Tetra Pak packaging, a first in the Indian beverage market. It quickly became a household name, thanks to its sweet, tangy mango flavor and affordable pricing. Frooti pioneered the fruit drink segment and remains a symbol of summer and nostalgia for generations of Indians.

1. Real – The Juice Revolution

Real, from Dabur India Ltd., was launched in 1996 as India’s first 100% packaged juice brand. It helped build the entire juice segment in India, positioning itself as a good quality, tasty and convenient alternative to fresh juices

1. Campa – The Cola That Filled the Gap

Campa Cola, originally from Pure Drinks Group (India), was launched in 1977 during Coca-Cola’s exit from India. It became the market leader for over a decade, filling the void left by international colas. In 2023, Campa was acquired and relaunched by Reliance Consumer Products, signaling a revival of this nostalgic brand for the new generation of Indian consumers.

1. Lahori Jeera – The Spiced Soda Sensation

Lahori Jeera, a traditional Indian-spiced carbonated drink, was founded in 2017 by Archian Foods. It offers a unique, desi flavor with cumin and spices, bringing a taste of the streets to the bottle. It’s a nostalgic yet modern alternative to international sodas, and has gained a cult following among millennials.

1. Rasna – The Sweet Memory in Every Sip

Rasna, from Pioma Industries, was launched in 1978 and quickly became a household staple. With its memorable jingle “I love you, Rasna”, it democratized the idea of a cold, sweet drink for the masses in India. Rasna is affordable, sweet, and nostalgic, and remains a summer favorite across generations.

1. Paper Boat – Reviving India’s Traditional Drinks

Paper Boat, from Hector Beverages, was launched in 2013 with the vision of reviving traditional Indian beverages like Aam Panna, Jaljeera, and Kokum. It offers tasty, and nostalgic drinks that tap into India’s rich culinary heritage. Paper Boat is a success story of innovation with tradition.

1. Rooh Afza – The Summer Elixir

Rooh Afza, from Hamdard Laboratories, was formulated in 1907 in Old Delhi and remains an iconic summer drink in India. This concentrated herbal syrup is known for its cooling properties and vibrant purple color. It’s a must-have during the hot Indian summers, and its herbal blend is loved for its refreshing taste and health benefits.

1. Appy Fizz – The Celebratory Apple Fizz

Appy Fizz, from Parle Agro, was launched in 2005 as India’s first fruit-plus-fizz drink. It pioneered the category of carbonated fruit drinks, and its apple flavor and celebratory positioning made it a popular non-alcoholic alternative to champagne and beer. Appy Fizz is a favorite at parties and family gatherings.

1. B Natural – The NFC Juice Revolution

B Natural, now owned by ITC Limited, was acquired in 2014 and launched in 2015. It distinguishes itself with its “Not From Concentrate” (NFC) juice and offers a range of Indian fruit flavors. B Natural is positioned as a premium, natural juice brand for health-conscious consumers.

1. Limonata Bisleri Pop – The Fizzy Lemon Revolution

Limonata, from Bisleri International, is a lemon-flavored fizzy drink launched in 2016 as part of Bisleri Pop, a new line of soft drinks to re-enter the carbonated beverage market. Alongside Spyci, Fonzo, and Pina Colada, Bisleri Pop is challenging the dominance of global players with fresh, vibrant, and affordable options.

1. Sosyo – The Century-Old Fizz Revival

Sosyo, from Hajoori Sons (India), was established in 1923 and launched in 1927 in Surat, Gujarat. It gained regional popularity as an alternative to cola and was recently acquired by Reliance Consumer Products in 2023, signaling a revival of this century-old brand for a new generation of consumers.

1. Fresca Juices – The Regional Juice Champion

Fresca Juices, from Shri Bankey Behari Foods, was launched in 2015 and focuses on the mid-range juice segment, particularly in North India. It offers a range of packaged fruit juices and is gaining traction with its affordable pricing and quality.

1. Raw Pressery – The Cold-Pressed Revolution

Raw Pressery, from Rakyan Beverages, was founded in 2013 and popularized the cold-pressed juice trend in India. These non-pasteurized, nutrient-rich juices are positioned as premium, health-focused drinks for the urban, health-conscious consumer.

1. Alo Frut – The Aloe Vera Trendsetter

Alo Frut, from Axon Beverages, was launched in 2016 and specializes in beverages containing Aloe Vera pulp and fruit juice. It capitalized on the growing health and wellness trend and has carved out a niche with its unique blend of Aloe Vera and fruit juice.

The Global Giants in the Indian Glass

1. Coca-Cola – The Fizz That Won Back India

Coca-Cola entered India in 1956, but was asked to leave in 1977 due to FERA regulations. It re-entered in 1993 and acquired brands like Thums Up, Maaza, Limca, and Fanta, which were originally launched by Parle. These brands continue to dominate the cola and fruit drink segments in India.

1. Thums Up – The Indian Cola Champion

Thums Up, from Parle Bisleri, was launched in 1977 and became the leading cola in India before being acquired by Coca-Cola in 1993. It’s known for its strong, bold taste and iconic “Thums Up” hand gesture.

1. Maaza:

Maaza was also owned by Parle Bisleri (India). This popular mango-flavored beverage was launched in 1976 by the Chauhan family of Parle and was acquired by Coca-Cola Company in 1993.

1. PepsiCo – The Flavor Powerhouse

PepsiCo entered India in 1988 and introduced brands like Slice, Mirinda, 7 Up, Mountain Dew, and Tropicana. These brands ranged from citrus-flavored sodas to fruit juices, and have become household names in the Indian beverage market.

1. Slice:

Slice is owned by PepsiCo, which was launched in India in 1993, initially competing directly with Maaza.

1. Tropicana:

The parent company is PepsiCo, it was introduced to the Indian market around the year 1998-1999, targeting the juice beverages market.

1. Sting Energy:

The parent company is PepsiCo, and its country of origin is the United States. Sting is an energy drink brand that was launched in India in 2017, offering a more affordable option in the growing energy drink market and directly competing with other players with its bright colors and flavor profile.

1. Red Bull – The Energy Drink Pioneer

Red Bull, from Austria, entered India in 2004 and pioneered the energy drink category. It promoted a lifestyle of high performance and action sports, and gained a loyal following among youth and athletes.

1. Monster Energy – The Aggressive Fizz

Monster Energy, from Monster Beverage Corporation (USA), entered India in 2015 with aggressive branding and a wide variety of flavors. It’s positioned as a bold, high-energy drink for the adrenaline-chasing youth.

1. Gatorade – The Hydration Hero

Gatorade, from PepsiCo (USA), was launched in India in 2004 and is targeted at athletes and fitness enthusiasts. It offers electrolyte-rich hydration, and is positioned as a sports drink for performance and recovery.