Cold drinks are a favorite among people of all ages, especially during hot weather. In India, one individual has significantly influenced the soft drink sector, establishing a strong homegrown cola brand. With innovative ideas and a profound understanding of Indian tastes, he created a beverage that became a national favorite. Who is this influential figure known as the Cola King of India?
Ravi Kant Jaipuria holds the title of Cola King of India. He is the owner of Varun Beverages Limited, the company responsible for bottling and supplying the majority of Pepsi products in India. His company manages nearly 90% of PepsiCo's production in the country. From small towns to large cities, his extensive network ensures soft drinks are readily available, establishing him as the leader in India's cola industry.
Ravi Kant Jaipuria is the Chairman of RJ Corp, a vast Indian business conglomerate. His ventures span various sectors, including beverages, fast food, healthcare, and education. He is particularly recognized for his beverage enterprise, Varun Beverages Limited (VBL). This company bottles and sells PepsiCo products across India, controlling about 90% of PepsiCo's beverage production in the country, making it the second-largest Pepsi bottler outside the United States. His remarkable influence over the soft drink market has earned him the title "Cola King of India."
Ravi Kant Jaipuria was born on 28 November 1954 into the prominent Jaipuria business family. His father, Chunni Lal Jaipuria, owned a Coca-Cola bottling franchise in India. In 1977, Coca-Cola exited India due to new government regulations, paving the way for local brands like Thums Up to capture significant market share. The Jaipuria family remained in the beverage sector. In 1987, the family business was divided among the three brothers. As the youngest, Ravi received the Agra bottling plant, the smallest and most challenging unit, marking the start of his independent journey.
In the early 1990s, as India liberalized its economy, global brands began to re-enter the market. PepsiCo sought a strong local partner, and Ravi Kant Jaipuria recognized this as a pivotal opportunity. He collaborated with Pepsi and became its bottling partner. In 1995, he founded Varun Beverages Limited, named after his son Varun. Starting from a single plant, the company gradually expanded across various states and cities, becoming the backbone of Pepsi’s operations in India.
Varun Beverages Limited has grown into one of India's largest beverage companies, bottling and distributing popular brands such as:
With numerous manufacturing plants and distribution centers across India and operations in countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Morocco, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, VBL boasts a market value exceeding ₹1.6 lakh crore as of January 2026. Since its stock market listing in 2016, the company has witnessed remarkable growth.
Another significant source of Ravi Jaipuria's wealth is Devyani International Limited, named after his daughter. This company operates popular food brands in India, including:
Devyani International is the largest franchisee of Yum Brands in India, with thousands of outlets across cities and highways. Its ongoing mergers and expansion plans continue to bolster its leadership in the fast-food sector.
Beyond beverages and restaurants, Ravi Kant Jaipuria has diversified his investments into several sectors:
These ventures reflect his expansive business vision beyond just soft drinks.
As of January 2026, Ravi Kant Jaipuria's net worth is approximately $13 billion (₹1.17 lakh crore), primarily derived from:
He is recognized as one of the wealthiest business leaders in North India and a prominent figure in India’s consumer industry.
Ravi Kant Jaipuria is referred to as the Cola King of India due to several factors:
From a small bottling unit in Agra to dominating India's soft drink market, his journey exemplifies vision, timing, and strategic business acumen. Ravi Kant Jaipuria is not just a businessman; he is the architect of India's cola revolution.
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