Reliance Industries denies plans to enter India’s low-alcohol beverage market
Reliance Industries has dismissed reports that it plans to launch low-alcohol ready-to-drink beverages, despite growing speculation surrounding the fast-expanding category.
INDIA – Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has denied reports that it is planning to enter India’s emerging low-alcohol beverage market, dismissing speculation that the conglomerate is preparing to expand its consumer products portfolio into ready-to-drink (RTD) alcoholic beverages.
The denial follows an Informist Media report claiming that the Mukesh Ambani-led company was evaluating the launch of low-alcohol or “soft” alcoholic drinks as part of its next phase of growth.
According to the report, discussions were still at a preliminary stage and no final decision had been made.
“The plans are being worked upon and it should be a matter of time before we replicate the success of Campa in the Indian market with the launch of low-alcohol beverages,” a senior company official told Informist on the condition of anonymity.
The report also suggested that Reliance was seeking to establish an early presence in the rapidly growing low-alcohol segment rather than cede the opportunity to competitors such as Varun Beverages, which has been expanding its beverage portfolio beyond carbonated soft drinks.
It added that the company believes younger consumers are increasingly seeking lighter alcoholic alternatives.
Low-alcohol beverages typically contain between 0.5% and 1.2% alcohol by volume (ABV), significantly less than conventional beers, wines and spirits.
The category includes flavoured malt beverages, hard seltzers and low-ABV cocktails, and has gained momentum globally as consumers increasingly opt for beverages with lower alcohol content.
Several brands have already established a presence in India’s developing segment, including So Good Soju, IST Hard Seltzer, Barneys Hard Seltzer and Heineken 0.0 premium non-alcoholic beer.
According to the report, Reliance would have launched the products only in states where alcohol sales are permitted, as alcohol production, distribution and taxation are regulated by individual state governments.
It also stated that the company planned to leverage its extensive distribution network to improve logistics efficiency and profitability.
The speculation comes as Reliance Consumer Products Ltd continues to strengthen its position in India’s non-alcoholic beverage market. Since 2022, the company has expanded its portfolio through acquisitions and partnerships involving brands including Campa Cola, Sosyo and RasKik.
Campa has emerged as one of the company’s biggest successes, recording gross sales of more than Rs 4,700 crore in FY26 and becoming India’s fourth-largest carbonated soft drinks brand with a steadily growing market share.
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