Now Reading: Consumer giants bet big on milk-based drinks as growth surges
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Consumer giants bet big on milk-based drinks as growth surges
Varun Beverages, PepsiCo’s largest bottler outside the US, reported 20.8% revenue growth to Rs 8,650.6 crore in the June quarter, with dairy expanding at over 40%, three to four times its overall…
The Story in Brief
Varun Beverages, PepsiCo’s largest bottler outside the US, reported 20.8% revenue growth to Rs 8,650.6 crore in the June quarter, with dairy expanding at over 40%, three to four times its overall business pace. Hindustan Unilever launched Horlicks Milkshake in June, while Zydus Wellness rolled out Complan Powerplay, a ready-to-drink protein milkshake.
India’s flavoured milk drinks market grew to Rs 7,600 crore in 2025 from Rs 4,420 crore in 2021, Euromonitor data shows. Value-added dairy is growing at about 20% a year, faster than the broader ready-to-drink market, says Redseer. Companies are targeting homemade chaach and lassi drinkers with packaged, protein-fortified versions.
The Indian Opinion
The narrative that India’s packaged beverage growth depends on carbonated drinks is outdated. These moves target 70% of the non-alcoholic market that is ready-to-drink, with dairy penetration still low. The real test is whether brands can price protein drinks, like Parag’s Avvatar at Rs 120 for 250 ml, for mass adoption, not just gym-goers. Watch how rural and small-town off-take shifts over the next two quarters.
Source: livemint.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
