Overview
- Asahi Group has signed a franchise agreement with Varun Beverages to introduce its Calpis fermented milk drinks in India.
- Under the deal Asahi will lead product development, technical support and brand oversight while Varun will handle manufacturing, distribution and sales.
- Asahi confirmed it will sell Calpis in two flavours, original and mango, in 180ml bottles priced at about Rs20 each with a planned launch in the second half of 2026 or thereafter and final distribution plans still being finalised.
- The partnership is enabled by Varun’s recently extended PepsiCo bottling and trademark licence and its large production and distribution footprint across India.
- The move follows Asahi’s prior franchise expansion in China and comes as the company pursues low-cost, mass-market growth while managing recent operational disruptions and a revised outlook.