Asahi Group Partners with Varun Beverages to Bring CALPIS to India
Tokyo, June 18, 2026 – Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd. has announced a new partnership with Varun Beverages Limited, a major player in the non-alcohol beverage market in India. This collaboration aims to introduce the popular CALPIS brand to Indian consumers.
Starting in the second half of 2026, CALPIS will make its debut in India with ready-to-drink options featuring two flavors: Original and Mango. This marks Asahi Group’s first entry into the non-alcoholic, non-carbonated beverage sector in India.
CALPIS is a well-loved drink in Japan, known for its unique sweet and tangy taste. It has been enjoyed for over a hundred years and comes in various forms, including concentrates for home mixing.
In this partnership, Asahi Group will focus on developing CALPIS products and providing technical support, while Varun Beverages will manage production as well as distribution and marketing. This means Asahi can concentrate on creating and promoting its offerings, while Varun gains an exciting new product for its portfolio.
India, with its massive population of over 1.4 billion, is proving to be an important market for non-alcoholic drinks. The market has seen significant growth in recent years, partly due to a rising middle class and increasing health awareness among consumers.
Varun Beverages, founded in the 1990s, is known as the second-largest franchisee of PepsiCo outside the U.S. They operate 53 production facilities both in India and abroad, which will help Asahi leverage their manufacturing and distribution strength.
Atsushi Katsuki, President and CEO of Asahi Group, expressed excitement about this venture: “We look forward to bringing CALPIS, a brand cherished in Japan, to India. Working with Varun Beverages, known for their expertise and reach, we aim to create new value in this vibrant market.”
Varun Jaipuria, Executive Vice Chairman of Varun Beverages, also shared his enthusiasm: “Partnering with Asahi, a company renowned for its quality and understanding of consumer needs, is an honor. We’re eager to build this brand in India, where we see great potential.”
The CALPIS brand, first created in 1919, is based on fermented milk and is known for its refreshing flavor and health benefits. The drink has retained its core values of taste, nutrition, safety, and affordability, making it popular in over ten countries worldwide.
Through this strategic alliance, both companies aim for sustainable growth and to enhance their presence in the global beverage market.
