#RelianceConsumer #Shunya #FunctionalBeverages #Ayurveda #HealthyLiving #RCPL #RelianceIndustries #WellnessDrinks #FMCG #HerbalBeverages #IndianStartup #HealthyChoices
Bengaluru – Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL), the FMCG arm of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), has made a decisive move into the fast-growing healthy functional beverages market. The company announced the acquisition of a majority stake in a joint venture with Naturedge Beverages Private Limited, the startup behind the herbal-infused functional beverage brand Shunya.
This strategic partnership underscores RCPL’s ambition to emerge as a “Total Beverage Company” by expanding beyond traditional soft drinks and offering consumers a wide range of herbal-natural functional drinks that combine wellness with taste.
The Market Opportunity
The Indian beverages sector has been undergoing a paradigm shift, with consumers increasingly prioritizing healthier, natural, and functional alternatives over conventional sugary sodas and carbonated drinks. Rising lifestyle-related health issues, greater awareness of Ayurveda, and a generational preference for zero-calorie, herbal, and immunity-boosting options are driving this transformation.
Analysts project the functional beverages market in India to grow at double-digit CAGR over the next five years, making it a lucrative space for FMCG companies to capture. For Reliance, which has already built a strong foundation in packaged beverages through Campa, Campa Energy, and Raskik, the addition of Shunya completes its pivot towards health-focused innovations.
Naturedge Beverages and Shunya’s Journey
Founded in 2018 by Siddhesh Sharma, a third-generation entrepreneur from the legacy-rich Baidyanath Group, Naturedge Beverages has dedicated itself to reimagining traditional Indian herbs for modern consumers. Its flagship product, Shunya, is a zero-sugar, zero-calorie, herb-infused functional beverage that has quickly gained attention across metros and Tier-I cities.
Shunya blends Indian super herbs like Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Khus, Kokum, and Green Tea, all known for their natural stress-relieving, stamina-boosting, and focus-enhancing properties. Unlike traditional Ayurvedic tonics, Shunya is packaged as a contemporary lifestyle drink appealing to millennials and Gen Z seeking health benefits without compromising on taste or modern aesthetics.
Speaking on the tie-up, Siddhesh Sharma, Director of Naturedge Beverages, said:
“The partnership with RCPL is a testament of Shunya’s rapidly growing acceptability among consumers. With our visions aligned on turning Shunya into a pan-India brand, this is a win-win for us. As we increasingly move towards a challenging lifestyle, super-herbs like Ashwagandha and Brahmi not only act as natural stress-relievers but also boost stamina and focus. Through this JV, Shunya will be made available to consumers across India through RCPL’s wide network.”
Reliance Consumer Products’ Strategic Vision
RCPL, since its inception in 2022, has been aggressively reshaping India’s beverage landscape. From reviving the iconic Campa Cola brand to launching Campa Energy and acquiring Raskik beverages, Reliance has steadily broadened its reach across the carbonated, energy drink, and hydration categories.
The acquisition of a majority stake in Naturedge signals a deliberate pivot toward functional wellness drinks, reflecting RCPL’s broader vision of:
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Delivering affordable, quality products rooted in Indian tradition.
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Blending Ayurveda with modern convenience, offering beverages that are refreshing yet health-oriented.
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Building a diversified beverage portfolio spanning carbonated, energy, herbal, and functional segments.
Ketan Mody, Executive Director, RCPL, emphasized this strategy, saying:
“We are pleased to announce this JV as it strengthens our beverage portfolio with health-focused functional drinks, inspired by Ayurveda. Shunya has gained wide popularity among health-conscious consumers, and it fits perfectly with RCPL’s vision of offering quality products at affordable prices while promoting India’s legacy. Consumers can now expect more innovation and a wider range of herbal-natural functional beverages in the future.”
Future Roadmap: Beyond Shunya
RCPL aims to use its distribution muscle and retail dominance to scale Shunya nationwide and expand into new product categories such as:
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Herb-infused water
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Energy shots
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Stills and functional hydration beverages
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Next-gen Ayurveda-inspired drinks
With Reliance’s extensive presence across modern trade, kirana stores, and digital retail platforms like JioMart, the JV is expected to provide Shunya with a pan-India reach, something that startups often struggle to achieve.
Industry experts note that this deal will position Reliance Consumer Products as a serious competitor to global giants like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Red Bull in the premium health and wellness beverage space. Unlike multinational brands that often rely on imported formulations, RCPL’s Ayurveda-led approach provides a unique homegrown differentiator.
Broader Implications for India’s FMCG Sector
This acquisition reflects a wider trend: India’s FMCG landscape is increasingly moving toward functional wellness as a growth driver. With Ayurveda gaining recognition worldwide and Indian consumers adopting healthier routines post-pandemic, brands rooted in tradition yet presented in modern formats are likely to dominate future growth.
Reliance’s move may also accelerate further consolidation in the functional beverage category, encouraging startups to seek strategic alliances with larger FMCG players for scale and survival.
Conclusion
The acquisition of a majority stake in Naturedge Beverages is more than just an expansion for Reliance Consumer Products—it is a statement of intent. By blending heritage Ayurveda with modern consumer preferences, RCPL is well on its way to becoming a holistic beverage powerhouse in India.
As Shunya gears up for a national rollout backed by Reliance’s distribution strength, consumers can expect a new era of affordable, herbal, and functional drinks designed to not only refresh but also rejuvenate.
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