Katol could soon emerge as another major beverage manufacturing hub, with Varun Beverages Ltd. (VBL), PepsiCo’s largest franchisee outside the United States, exploring the possibility of setting up a large production facility in the region.
The move comes soon after Reliance Consumer Products Ltd., led by Mukesh Ambani, announced plans to establish a Rs 1,500-crore non-alcoholic beverage manufacturing hub in Katol.
According to sources, Varun Beverages, headed by Ravi Jaipuria, has approached the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) seeking more than 200 acres of land for its proposed project. MIDC officials are reportedly identifying suitable land parcels in Katol and nearby locations for the company.
Sources said MIDC has already acquired over 160 acres for Reliance’s upcoming beverage facility. Once Varun Beverages finalises its investment plans, the corporation is expected to initiate the land acquisition process and allot the required land for the project.
Varun Beverages manufactures and distributes several PepsiCo brands in India, including Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Mirinda, 7UP, Slice, Tropicana and Aquafina. The company operates multiple production facilities across the country, including plants near Mumbai and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad).
Industry observers believe Katol has emerged as an attractive investment destination for beverage manufacturers due to its proximity to the Nagpur orange belt, ensuring easy access to raw materials for fruit-based beverages, along with favourable climatic conditions and improving industrial infrastructure.
Reliance Consumer Products is also expanding its presence in the beverage sector following its acquisition of the iconic Campa soft drink brand.
Meanwhile, the Patanjali Group has introduced packaged juice made from Nagpur oranges through its retail outlets. Its processing plant at MIHAN is expected to resume operations with the arrival of the new orange season in October.
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