Reliance Consumer Products (RCPL), part of the Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Limited, is reportedly in talks to acquire a majority stake in Shunya—a premium, herb-infused, zero-sugar beverage brand owned by Naturedge Beverages, a Baidyanath Group company.
While exact terms of the potential deal, including valuation and stake size, remain undisclosed, insiders suggest that negotiations are active. The move, if finalized, would mark Reliance’s fourth major beverage acquisition following its purchases of Campa, Sosyo, and RasKik—signaling a deliberate expansion strategy into India’s competitive functional drinks space.
The Rise of Wellness Beverages
Shunya stands out in the fast-evolving Indian beverage landscape with its zero-sugar, plant-based functional drinks, offered in flavours like zesty apple and zesty orange. These products cater to a growing urban demographic seeking health-conscious alternatives to traditional carbonated soft drinks.
With consumers increasingly reading labels and choosing better-for-you options, this segment is experiencing explosive growth. Industry insiders believe Reliance is positioning itself to dominate this evolving space before it becomes saturated.
Strategic FMCG Ambitions
The interest in Shunya is part of a much broader consumer goods play. Reliance has been methodically building an FMCG empire, spanning beverages, chocolates, confectionery, and beyond. Its approach appears to mimic global strategies seen in conglomerates like Nestlé and Unilever—backed by acquisitions and brand consolidation.
Over the past three years, Reliance has committed significant capital across its portfolio:
- Over $1.2 billion in telecom and internet services
- Nearly $200 million in retail ventures
- Over $500 million in media and education
- Additional investments across energy, chemicals, and digital platforms
All of this supports Reliance’s vision to create an ecosystem where consumers engage with its products across nearly every category of daily life.
What’s Next?
Should the Shunya deal go through, it wouldn’t just be another acquisition—it would be a signal. A signal that India’s beverage war is no longer limited to legacy giants like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo. With a diversified, locally tuned portfolio, Reliance could fundamentally reshape how healthy drinks are sold, branded, and distributed in India.
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