Reliance Consumer Products (RCPL), a subsidiary of Reliance Industries, has entered the functional beverages segment by acquiring a majority stake in a joint venture with Naturedge Beverages Pvt. Ltd.

In a press statement released on Tuesday, the fast-moving consumer goods giant revealed that this move expands RCPL’s portfolio into herbal and natural drinks, a category that has seen rapid growth as consumers shift toward healthier alternatives, and a fourth addition to its portfolio of total beverages.

“We are pleased to announce this JV as 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. It also fits perfectly with RCPL’s vision of global providing quality products at affordable prices along with promoting India’s legacy,” said Ketan Mody, Executive Director, Reliance Consumer Products Limited, in a statement.

The partnership marks the FMCG giant's latest bet in the packaged beverages market. RCPL already sells brands such as Campa, Raskik, and Campa Energy, and the addition of Naturedge’s flagship brand Shunya broadens its position in the beverages business.

Founded in 2018 by Siddhesh Sharma, who comes from the Baidyanath Group, Naturedge focuses on products that combine Ayurvedic ingredients with modern beverage formats. Its Shunya range of zero-sugar, zero-calorie functional drinks includes herbs such as ashwagandha, brahmi, kokum, khus, and green tea.

Some of the product offerings under the already operational Shunya brand include Shunya Go and Shunya Fizz which are available in orange, lime and apple flavours.

Under the joint venture, RCPL will use its distribution network to scale Shunya across India. The company said it also plans to develop new products in categories such as energy shots, infused water, and other herbal beverages.

“With our visions aligned on turning Shunya into a pan-India brand that caters to consumers love for herbal-natural functional beverages that are refreshing and fun-filled at the same time, this is a win-win for us. As we increasingly move towards a challenging lifestyle, super-herbs like Ashwagandha and Brahmi not only act as natural stress-relievers but also boost strength, stamina and focus. Through this JV, Shunya will be made available to consumers across India through RCPL’s wide network of distribution and supply chain, said Siddhesh Sharma, Director, Naturedge Beverages Private Limited, in a statement.