Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), India’s largest conglomerate led by Mukesh Ambani, is rapidly reshaping the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) landscape. After reviving the iconic Campa Cola brand and diversifying into fruit-based drinks and energy beverages, FMCG arm, Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL), has taken its next big step—entering the booming healthy functional beverage market.
The company has acquired a majority stake in Bengaluru-based Naturedge Beverages, the maker of the Ayurveda-inspired health drink brand Shunya, marking a strategic shift towards wellness-focused products.
Why Reliance is Betting on Healthy Beverages
The beverage industry in India is undergoing a major transformation. While carbonated soft drinks and sugary juices still dominate sales, consumer preferences are rapidly changing. A growing section of urban India—particularly millennials and Gen Z—is actively choosing zero-sugar, herbal, and functional beverages over traditional fizzy drinks.
This trend is driven by:
- Rising health consciousness after the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The growing popularity of Ayurveda and natural herbs.
- Demand for low-calorie alternatives among fitness-conscious consumers.
- Expanding awareness of stress management and immunity-boosting products.
Industry experts estimate that India’s functional and health beverage market could grow at a CAGR of 10–12% in the next five years, making it one of the fastest-growing FMCG categories.
Reliance clearly sees this as an opportunity to build a new vertical within its beverage empire.
Naturedge Beverages & Shunya – The Ayurvedic Innovation
Naturedge Beverages, founded in Bengaluru, has been pioneering the fusion of Ayurveda and modern-day consumer needs. Its flagship product, Shunya, is positioned as a futuristic drink combining ancient Indian herbs with a contemporary lifestyle twist.
Key features of Shunya include:
- Zero sugar & zero calories – catering to health-conscious buyers.
- Infused with super herbs such as ashwagandha, brahmi, kokum, khus, and green tea.
- Known to aid stress relief, stamina, mental focus, and immunity.
- Available in ready-to-drink bottles and functional beverage formats.
This unique positioning has allowed Shunya to gain popularity in a short span, particularly among urban professionals and fitness enthusiasts.
The Strategic Partnership – What Reliance & Naturedge Leaders Said
Announcing the acquisition, Ketan Mody, Executive Director of RCPL, emphasized that Shunya perfectly aligns with Reliance’s vision of becoming a comprehensive beverage company.
“It strengthens our beverage portfolio with the addition of health-focused functional drinks, inspired by Ayurveda. Within a very short span of time, Shunya has gained wide popularity among health-conscious consumers, as it offers the benefits of herbs in contemporary formats,” Mody said.
Siddhesh Sharma, Director of Naturedge Beverages, welcomed the partnership and highlighted how the collaboration will help Shunya scale up nationally.
“Our vision has always been to turn Shunya into a pan-India brand. With Reliance’s reach and expertise, this is a win-win. The use of herbs like ashwagandha and brahmi makes Shunya highly relevant for today’s fast-paced, stressful lifestyles,” Sharma added.
Reliance’s FMCG Journey – From Campa Revival to Functional Drinks
Reliance Consumer Products was launched in 2022 with an ambition to become a leading player in India’s FMCG and retail ecosystem. Since then, it has taken bold steps:
- Revival of Campa Cola – a nostalgic brand reintroduced to challenge Coke and Pepsi.
- Launch of Campa Energy – Reliance’s entry into the growing energy drink segment.
- Raskik fruit-based beverages – targeting the natural juice and hydration category.
- Now, the acquisition of Shunya – marking entry into Ayurveda-inspired functional drinks.
With each move, Reliance is carefully positioning itself to cater to different consumer segments—from mass-market cola drinkers to premium health-conscious buyers.
Why This Move Matters for the Indian Beverage Industry
Reliance’s entry into functional beverages is not just about one brand—it’s about reshaping consumer habits. Shunya has already established credibility in niche urban markets, but with Reliance’s distribution network, retail chains (Reliance Fresh, JioMart, Smart Bazaar), and pricing power, the drink can potentially reach millions of new customers across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
Additionally, Reliance is known for its aggressive pricing and marketing strategies, which could disrupt the health beverage segment and challenge both domestic startups and multinational players.
The Ayurveda Advantage
The Indian government has been actively promoting Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) both domestically and globally. Functional beverages inspired by Ayurveda stand at the intersection of traditional wellness and modern lifestyles, making them attractive to a wide audience.
With ingredients like ashwagandha (stress relief), brahmi (focus), kokum (digestion), khus (cooling), and green tea (antioxidants), Shunya taps into this ancient knowledge while presenting it in a modern, youth-friendly format.
What’s Next for Reliance in Beverages?
Industry insiders believe that after consolidating Campa, Raskik, and now Shunya, Reliance may soon explore:
- Herbal energy shots for busy professionals.
- Infused water with vitamins and minerals.
- Premium fitness hydration drinks to compete with global brands like Gatorade.
- Expansion into international markets, particularly where Ayurveda and herbal wellness are gaining traction.
Conclusion – A Win-Win for Consumers and Reliance
With this strategic acquisition, Reliance Consumer Products has positioned itself at the forefront of India’s health and wellness beverage revolution. The move not only expands its product portfolio but also strengthens its identity as a brand that can balance heritage and innovation.
For consumers, it means greater access to affordable, Ayurveda-inspired drinks that support healthier lifestyles. For Reliance, it signals a long-term play in capturing the future of beverages in India.
FAQ – Reliance Consumer Products & Shunya
Q1: What is Shunya?
Shunya is a zero-calorie, zero-sugar herbal functional drink infused with Ayurvedic herbs like ashwagandha, brahmi, kokum, and green tea.
Q2: Why did Reliance invest in Naturedge Beverages?
Reliance acquired Shunya to strengthen its health-focused beverage portfolio and tap into the fast-growing demand for herbal, functional drinks.
Q3: What other beverages does Reliance Consumer Products sell?
RCPL currently offers Campa Cola, Campa Energy, and Raskik fruit-based beverages.
Q4: Who are the target customers of Shunya?
Shunya primarily targets health-conscious consumers, millennials, fitness enthusiasts, and urban professionals seeking natural alternatives to sugary sodas.
Q5: How does Shunya stand out from other drinks?
Unlike regular soft drinks, Shunya combines Ayurveda-inspired herbs with modern beverage technology to offer health benefits along with great taste.
