Varun Beverages Partners with Asahi Group to Launch Iconic 'Calpis' Brand in India
Varun Beverages partners with Asahi Group to launch the 'Calpis' brand in India. The ready-to-drink dairy beverage will debut in the second half of 2026 with Original and Mango flavors. VBL will handle manufacturing and distribution, while Asahi Group manages product development and marketing.
This strategic partnership expands Varun Beverages' product portfolio into a new segment of non-carbonated, dairy-based beverages, which could positively impact its market position and revenue streams over the long term. However, the impact is medium as the launch is scheduled for late 2026.
The partnership with a global brand like 'Calpis' and the entry into a new beverage category is a positive development for Varun Beverages, indicating expansion and growth opportunities.
Varun Beverages Limited (VBL) has entered into a business alliance agreement with Japan-based Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd. to introduce the renowned 'Calpis' brand into the Indian market. This collaboration marks Asahi Group's debut in India's non-alcohol, non-carbonated beverage sector.
The ready-to-drink, dairy-based product, "Calpis," will be launched starting in the second half of 2026, with initial flavor offerings including Original and Mango. Asahi Group will lead product development and provide technical support, while its local subsidiary will manage marketing and brand management. Varun Beverages will be responsible for manufacturing, distribution, and sales, leveraging its extensive production capabilities and nationwide sales network.
'Calpis' is a historic Japanese fermented milk-based beverage known for its sweet and tangy taste, enjoyed for over a century. This alliance is expected to add significant value to Varun Beverages' portfolio, given India's large and growing non-alcoholic beverage market, which has seen substantial expansion driven by population growth, an expanding middle class, and increasing health consciousness.
Atsushi Katsuki, President and Group CEO at Asahi Group Holdings, expressed excitement about introducing 'Calpis' to India and partnering with VBL, citing the country's dynamic market and VBL's strong capabilities. Varun Jaipuria, Executive Vice Chairman at Varun Beverages, highlighted the heritage and consumer trust of the 'Calpis' brand and expressed confidence in establishing it as a leading brand in India by combining Asahi's global expertise with VBL's local strengths.
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Varun Beverages Limited filed this with the NSE as a statutory disclosure, categorised under strategic partnerships. It is a primary document, not a recommendation, and the desk marks it medium impact: worth reading, rarely worth acting on by itself.
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