Varun Beverages Limited (VBL) is a key player in the beverage industry and a major bottling partner for PepsiCo. The company operates across manufacturing, distribution and packaging, generating revenue from carbonated soft drinks, packaged water and non-carbonated beverages across multiple markets.
Table of Contents
Varun Beverages Ltd’s Company Overview and History
Varun Beverages Limited (VBL) was incorporated in 1995 and has grown into one of the largest PepsiCo franchise bottlers globally. The company has a strong market presence, producing and distributing PepsiCo beverages across India and several international markets.
With a multi-billion-dollar valuation, VBL is a key player in India’s beverage industry. It ranks among the top franchise bottlers of PepsiCo worldwide. Led by RJ Corp, its majority shareholder, VBL continues expanding its footprint through acquisitions and capacity enhancements.
VBL Financials and Shareholder Returns
Varun Beverages Limited (VBL) posted ₹20,481.33 crore in revenue and ₹2,692.00 crore in net profit in FY 2024. Despite a 0.20% dividend yield and -14.90% 1-year return, its 3-year and 5-year returns of 56.80% and 50.60% reflect strong long-term growth.
Metric | Value |
Revenue (FY 2024) | ₹20,481.33 crore |
Net Profit (FY 2024) | ₹2,692.00 crore |
Dividend Yield | 0.20% |
1-Year Return | -14.90% |
3-Year Return | 56.80% |
5-Year Return | 50.60% |
How VBL Started and the Growth of Its First Business
Varun Beverages Limited (VBL) was founded in 1995 by Ravi Jaipuria under RJ Corp. It started as a franchise bottler for PepsiCo, focusing on manufacturing and distributing carbonated soft drinks. At the time, India’s beverage sector was growing, with increasing demand for branded soft drinks.
Over the years, VBL expanded its portfolio to include packaged water and non-carbonated beverages. Currently, it is led by CEO & Whole-Time Director Kapil Agarwal and Chairman Ravi Jaipuria. Strategic acquisitions and capacity expansions have positioned VBL among the largest PepsiCo franchise bottlers worldwide.
How Did Varun Beverages Ltd Expand into Subsequent Business Sectors?
Varun Beverages Limited (VBL) expanded beyond carbonated soft drinks through strategic diversification and acquisitions, strengthening its market presence. Over the years, it has entered multiple beverage segments to cater to evolving consumer preferences.
- 1995 – Incorporated as a public limited company.
- 1996 – Started operations in Jaipur.
- 1999 – Expanded operations to Alwar, Jodhpur and Kosi.
- 2004 – Merged DBL with the company.
- 2012 – Merged VBIL with the company.
- 2013 – Acquired soft drink manufacturing and marketing business in Delhi.
- 2015 – Acquired PepsiCo India’s bottling business in multiple Indian states.
- 2016 – Successfully listed on NSE & BSE; expanded operations in Zambia and Mozambique.
- 2017 – Increased stake in Zambia to 90%; acquired PepsiCo’s territories in Odisha and parts of Madhya Pradesh.
- 2018 – Acquired PepsiCo’s franchise territories in Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Jharkhand; entered Tropicana, Gatorade and Quaker Dairy distribution.
- 2019 – Expanded into Maharashtra, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh; won the Best FMCG Corporate Governance India award.
- 2021 – Announced bonus shares issuance (1:2).
- 2022 – Received Business Leader Award for Corporate Governance; issued bonus shares (1:2).
- 2023 – Stock split from ₹10 to ₹5.
- 2024 – Stock split from ₹5 to ₹2; commenced production at Supa, Maharashtra.
VBL Revenue Split: How VBL Earns Across Different Sectors
Varun Beverages Limited (VBL) operates across various sectors, each contributing uniquely to its revenue. Here’s an overview:
Carbonated Soft Drinks: Varun Beverages Ltd. dominates the carbonated soft drinks segment, contributing 74% of total sales. It manufactures and distributes leading global brands like Pepsi, Mountain Dew and Mirinda. Strong market presence, innovative flavours and strategic marketing fuel its consistent growth.
Juice: The juice segment, contributing 6% to total sales, includes brands like Tropicana. Positioned as a healthier alternative, it targets health-conscious consumers. Increasing demand for natural beverages and premium fruit-based drinks supports steady growth, aligning with shifting consumer preferences toward nutritious options.
Packaged Water: Accounting for 20% of total sales, packaged water includes brands like Aquafina. This segment benefits from rising health awareness and demand for safe drinking water. With robust distribution and brand trust, Varun Beverages continues expanding its reach in this growing market.
Challenges Faced by VBL Across Its Businesses
The main challenges faced by Varun Beverages Ltd. (VBL) include fluctuating raw material costs, regulatory hurdles, intense competition and seasonal demand variations. These factors impact profitability, operational efficiency and market expansion, requiring strategic adaptation to sustain growth and maintain its leadership position.
- Raw Material Price Volatility: Rising costs of sugar, PET resin and packaging materials directly impact margins, making cost control crucial. Global supply chain disruptions and inflation further add to procurement challenges, requiring effective price hedging and supplier diversification strategies.
- Regulatory and Compliance Issues: Changing government policies on sugar taxes, environmental norms and health regulations affect product pricing and formulation. VBL must continuously adapt to evolving legal frameworks while maintaining compliance across multiple regions to avoid penalties and operational disruptions.
- Intense Market Competition: Competing with global and regional players like Coca-Cola and local beverage brands requires aggressive marketing and innovation. Consumer preferences shift rapidly, demanding constant product diversification, promotional campaigns and effective distribution strategies to retain market share.
- Seasonal Demand Fluctuations: Beverages, especially carbonated drinks, experience peak sales in summer, leading to uneven revenue distribution. Managing inventory, optimizing production schedules and maintaining cash flow during off-seasons are critical challenges that require efficient planning and cost management.
How does VBL’s future look in Terms of Growth and Strategy?
The main focus of VBL’s future growth lies in market expansion, product diversification, operational efficiency and sustainability initiatives. By strengthening its distribution network and adopting digital strategies, VBL aims to enhance profitability and maintain its leadership in the beverage industry.
- Geographical Expansion: VBL is aggressively entering new markets, both domestically and internationally, to increase its footprint. Strengthening rural penetration and expanding in emerging markets will drive long-term growth and revenue diversification.
- Product Innovation & Diversification: Introducing healthier beverages like juices, energy drinks and low-sugar variants aligns with evolving consumer preferences. Expanding into new product categories ensures sustained demand and broadens VBL’s customer base.
- Operational Efficiency & Automation: Implementing advanced manufacturing technologies and optimizing supply chain processes improves cost efficiency. Digital transformation and AI-driven analytics enhance logistics, inventory management and production planning for better profitability.
- Sustainability & ESG Initiatives: Investing in water conservation, plastic recycling and carbon footprint reduction strengthens VBL’s environmental commitment. Sustainable practices not only improve brand reputation but also ensure long-term regulatory compliance and stakeholder trust.
VBL’s Expansion Plans and Growth Strategy
VBL’s expansion plans focus on strengthening its market presence through geographical diversification and enhanced distribution networks. The company aims to penetrate untapped rural markets while expanding internationally, particularly in high-growth regions. Strategic acquisitions and partnerships further support its long-term expansion goals.
VBL’s growth strategy includes product diversification, operational efficiency and sustainability initiatives. By introducing healthier beverages and leveraging advanced technology, the company enhances production efficiency. Strong ESG commitments, digital transformation and consumer-driven innovation position VBL for sustained long-term growth and profitability.
How to invest in VBL Stock?
If you are looking to invest in Varun Beverages Ltd stock, you can easily do so through Alice Blue, where purchasing stocks is absolutely free with zero brokerage on equity delivery trades.
Step 1: Open a Demat & Trading Account
- Visit Alice Blue’s website
- Click on “Open Demat Account” and complete the registration.
- Upload your PAN, Aadhaar and bank details for verification.
Step 2: Add Funds to Your Trading Account
- Log in to Alice Blue and go to the Funds section.
- Add money via UPI, Net Banking, or NEFT/RTGS for smooth transactions.
Step 3: Search & Analyze Varun Beverages Ltd Stock
- Use the search bar to find Varun Beverages Ltd shares.
- Check the market price, charts and company details before investing.
Step 4: Place Your Buy Order
- Click Buy and choose Market Order (instant purchase) or Limit Order (buy at your set price).
- Enter the quantity and confirm your order.
Varun Beverages Ltd’s Company Overview and Revenue Split – Quick Summary
- Varun Beverages Ltd. is a key PepsiCo bottler, managing beverage production, distribution and sales across multiple regions, growing into one of the largest franchisees globally.
- VBL reported ₹20,481.33 crore revenue and ₹2,692.00 crore net profit in FY 2024. While the 1-year return was -14.90%, its 3-year and 5-year returns of 56.80% and 50.60% indicate strong long-term growth.
- The company started by securing PepsiCo’s franchise rights in India, gradually expanding its bottling and distribution operations and establishing a strong market presence in the soft drinks segment.
- VBL diversified by acquiring new territories and businesses, expanding into juice and packaged water categories, strengthening its distribution network and acquiring international operations to increase its global market share.
- VBL generates revenue primarily from carbonated soft drinks (₹14,687.16 crore), followed by packaged water (₹3,961.88 crore) and juice (₹1,190.36 crore), making soft drinks its highest revenue-contributing segment.
- The main challenges for VBL include fluctuating raw material costs, evolving consumer preferences, regulatory constraints, supply chain complexities and competitive market dynamics affecting growth and profitability.
- The main focus for VBL’s future growth is geographic expansion, innovation in product offerings, investment in sustainability and leveraging digital transformation to strengthen operations and improve market reach.
- VBL’s expansion strategy includes acquiring new bottling plants, enhancing distribution networks, entering new international markets and diversifying its product portfolio to strengthen its competitive position and revenue growth.
- Open a free demat account with Alice Blue in 15 minutes today! Invest in Stocks, Mutual Funds, Bonds & IPOs for Free. Also, trade at just ₹ 20/order brokerage on every order.
VBL Stock And Its Revenue Across Business Segments – FAQs
VBL generates ₹14,687.16 crore from carbonated soft drinks, contributing the largest share. Packaged water accounts for ₹3,961.88 crore, while juice contributes ₹1,190.36 crore. This diversified revenue stream strengthens VBL’s market position and supports its long-term growth and expansion strategy.
Varun Beverages Limited (VBL) is a leading franchisee of PepsiCo, engaged in manufacturing, bottling and distributing beverages. It produces carbonated soft drinks, packaged drinking water and non-carbonated drinks, serving multiple markets across India and international regions.
VBL is promoted by Ravi Jaipuria, who leads RJ Corp, a diversified business conglomerate. He has played a crucial role in expanding VBL’s presence, making it one of the largest bottlers of PepsiCo products worldwide.
VBL operates across three major segments: carbonated soft drinks, including Pepsi and Mountain Dew; packaged water under the Aquafina brand; and non-carbonated beverages like Tropicana juices. These segments drive VBL’s revenue and market leadership in the beverage industry.
Varun Beverages Limited (VBL) generated an annual revenue of ₹20,481.33 crore in December 2024, reflecting significant growth from ₹16,321.06 crore in December 2023. This increase highlights VBL’s expanding market presence and strong performance across its beverage segments.
The carbonated soft drinks segment contributes the most to VBL’s revenue, generating ₹14,687.16 crore. This segment dominates sales, accounting for a major share of the company’s total revenue, driven by strong demand for popular PepsiCo beverage brands in multiple markets.
VBL’s stock has shown mixed performance over the years. While it delivered a negative return of -14.90% in the past year, its long-term growth remains strong, with 56.80% returns over three years and 50.60% over five years, indicating steady investor confidence.
Yes, VBL has issued bonus shares in the past. The company announced a 1:2 bonus issue in 2023, rewarding shareholders. Bonus shares are issued to increase liquidity and investor participation, reflecting VBL’s commitment to enhancing shareholder value over time.
The major shareholders of VBL include promoters holding 60.20%, followed by foreign institutional investors (FIIs) with 25.30%. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) own 7%, while the remaining 7.50% is held by the public, reflecting a strong institutional presence in the company.
Varun Beverages (VBL) has recently expanded its global presence through key acquisitions. It acquired a 100% stake in SBC Beverages Tanzania Limited (SBCT) and SBC Beverages Ghana Limited (SBCG). Additionally, VBL increased its stake in Lunarmech Technologies, strengthening its market position.
Disclaimer: The above article is written for educational purposes and the companies’ data mentioned in the article may change with respect to time. The securities quoted are exemplary and are not recommendatory.