Varun Beverages begins production at Meghalaya Plant 

INDIA – Varun Beverages Limited (VBL) has commenced commercial production of carbonated soft drinks and juice-based beverages at its newly commissioned facility in Mendipathar, Meghalaya.  

The launch marks a key milestone in the company’s continued operational expansion and its efforts to strengthen supply chain capabilities in India’s northeastern region. 

VBL, one of the largest bottling partners of PepsiCo in India, disclosed the development in a regulatory filing under Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.  

The facility is set to produce a variety of beverages including carbonated drinks and juice-based products, aiming to meet growing regional demand. 

The new plant is expected to streamline logistics, enhance distribution, and bolster market presence in underserved and high-potential northeastern markets.  

The move forms part of VBL’s broader strategy to improve operational efficiency and expand capacity in key growth areas. 

Earlier this year, the company inaugurated another manufacturing unit in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, where production of carbonated soft drinks, juice-based beverages, and packaged drinking water has already begun.  

This facility, described as state-of-the-art, is designed to optimize operational processes and cater to large-scale regional requirements. 

In addition to domestic expansion, VBL has pursued strategic investments to strengthen its supply ecosystem.  

This month, the company acquired a 50% stake in Everest Industrial Lanka (EIL) for Rs 32.08 crore (US$3.75 million).  

Based in Sri Lanka, EIL specializes in manufacturing and distributing commercial visi-coolers and accessories, supporting VBL’s goal of internal sourcing for these units. 

Everest Industrial Lanka reported revenue of US$1.74 million in FY2024, slightly lower than the US$1.86 million recorded in FY2023. 

VBL also posted strong financial results in the first quarter of the fiscal year, with profit after tax (PAT) rising 33.47% to Rs 7.26 billion (US$85.44 million).  

Revenue from operations grew to Rs 5,680.03 crore, up from Rs 4,397.98 crore (US$520.57 million) in the corresponding quarter last year. 

India’s organic volume grew by 15.5%, with net realization per case increasing 1.8%, further contributing to the company’s robust performance. 

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