Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) is exploring an entry into India's emerging low-alcohol beverages market as it looks to expand its consumer products portfolio and compete in what it sees as the next major growth category, according to an Informist report.

The Mukesh Ambani-led conglomerate is evaluating the launch of ready-to-drink (RTD) "soft" or low-alcohol beverages, although discussions are still at a preliminary stage and no final decision has been taken, the report said, citing people familiar with the development.

"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.

According to the report, Reliance does not want to concede the fast-growing category to rivals such as Varun Beverages, which has been expanding its beverage portfolio beyond carbonated soft drinks. The company believes low-alcohol drinks could become increasingly popular among younger consumers looking for lighter alcoholic alternatives.

What are low-alcohol beverages?

Low-alcohol beverages generally contain between 0.5% and 1.2% alcohol by volume (ABV), substantially lower than conventional beers, wines or spirits. The segment includes flavoured malt drinks, hard seltzers and low-ABV cocktails, and has gained popularity globally as consumers shift towards beverages with lower alcohol content.

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In India, brands such as So Good Soju, IST Hard Seltzer, Barneys Hard Seltzer and premium non-alcoholic beer Heineken 0.0 have already established a presence in the category.

The report said Reliance is likely to launch the products only in states where alcohol sales are permitted, since laws governing the production, sale and taxation of alcoholic beverages fall under the jurisdiction of individual state governments.

The company is also expected to leverage its existing distribution network across most states, reducing the need to create a separate supply chain and potentially improving logistics efficiency and profitability.

Non-alcoholic beverages market

The proposed move follows Reliance Consumer Products Ltd's rapid expansion in India's non-alcoholic beverages market over the past four years.

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Since 2022, the company has acquired or partnered with several beverage brands, including Campa Cola, Sosyo, Raskik Gluco Energy, Sun Crush, Spinner and Elephant House, helping it build a diversified portfolio spanning carbonated drinks, juices, hydration beverages and traditional soft drinks.

Campa has emerged as Reliance's biggest success in the segment. Speaking at Reliance Industries' annual general meeting last week, Isha Ambani said the brand recorded gross sales of over ₹4,700 crore in FY26, making it India's fourth-largest carbonated soft drinks brand with a double-digit market share in several key markets.

However, the proposed low-alcohol beverages are unlikely to be marketed under the Campa brand. According to the report, Reliance believes it would be strategically preferable to keep its alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage portfolios distinct.

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The report added that if Reliance decides to formally enter the segment, it could also explore acquiring an alcohol manufacturing company to retain greater control over production and operations.

Reliance Industries did not respond to Informist's queries on the reported plans. The company has not made any official announcement regarding its potential entry into the low-alcohol beverages market.

The shares of Reliance Industries Limited closed at Rs 1,318.10, up by 0.34 %.

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Published on: Jun 25, 2026 4:40 PM IST