Beverages Brands Report

The Indian food market has transformed significantly, driven by evolving consumer preferences, digital marketing innovations, and the rise of e-commerce platforms. Key drivers of growth include rising health consciousness, demand for convenience, and a growing preference for authentic, pure, and organic products. Social media platforms like Instagram boosted by influencer and celebrity endorsements—have revolutionized brand engagement. E-commerce giants such as Amazon, Flipkart, and Bigbasket facilitate widespread access to diverse food products, bridging urban and regional markets. Consumer behavior is shifting toward transparency embracing clean labels and single-origin sourcing—as well as sustainability, with a strong tilt toward organic and vegan options. Value-driven purchases, often sparked by festive promotions and discounts, continue to shape demand. Technological advancements like AI-powered recipe generators, coupled with lifestyle changes prioritizing fitness and wellness, are further redefining what Indian consumers expect from their food—making this one of the most exciting and fast-evolving markets in the country.

Beverage brands are increasingly incorporating influencer marketing into their overall strategies. By partnering with influencers, bloggers, and content creators in the food, lifestyle, and wellness spaces, these brands are able to showcase their products to wider audiences, boost brand awareness, and drive sales.

While established names like Sprite, Minute Maid, and Continental Coffee remain staples in India, new-age brands are rising with niche offerings. They emphasize unique flavors, health-focused innovations, and sustainability-driven values, reshaping the beverage landscape.

Below scatter plot shows how 90+ beverage brands have grown their presence over Instagram in the last six months.

The coffee market in India blends café culture with home-brewing trends, driven by demand for diverse experiences (hot, cold, specialty) and global influences. Consumers seek unique flavors, ethical sourcing, and social spaces. Starbucks India and Third Wave Coffee lead experiential offerings, while Blue Tokai and Subko Coffee emphasize artisanal brews.Continental Coffee targets bold tastes, and Sleepy Owl pioneers cold brew. The coffee market in India is brewing with vigor, driven by rapid cafe expansions and a thirst for diverse, high-quality experiences. Consumers crave bold flavors, unique blends, and aesthetic vibes, propelling a dynamic sector steeped in both tradition and innovation. This market blends iconic giants with bold newcomers. Starbucks marks milestones with its 100th Mumbai store and pet-friendly cafes in Jaipur, alongside new outlets in Vadodara and Goa. Costa Coffee and Café Coffee Day maintain strong footholds, while Nescafe delivers trusted classics. Emerging stars like Third Wave Coffee, with fresh spots in Mysuru, Blue Tokai, and Subko Coffee elevate artisanal blends, and Continental Coffee pushes robust Xtra flavors.

Tea remains a cultural cornerstone in India, with brands catering to health-conscious and premium-seeking consumers. Demand for green tea, herbal blends, and convenience (tea bags) drives growth. Tata Tea dominates with regional blends, while Lipton and Vahdam focus on wellness and gifting. Blue Tea India innovates with herbal infusions like Butterfly Pea. The tea market in India is steeped in vibrancy, fueled by festive gifting, innovative flavors, and a growing appetite for health-focused brews. Consumers savor traditional black teas, wellness-driven green and herbal blends, and unique taste profiles, driving a dynamic sector rich in heritage and modernity. This market blends iconic stalwarts with spirited newcomers. Tata Tea — with sub-brands like Gold, Premium, and 1868 — dazzles with festive packs and AR experiences, while Lipton and Tetley push green tea innovations. Wagh Bakri and Flurys uphold strong legacies in Indian tea culture. Emerging players like VAHDAM® India offer premium gift boxes with a global appeal, Blue Tea India champions caffeine-free herbal infusions like Butterfly Pea, and Vikram Tea engages audiences through recipes and community events. Boche Tea and Dorje Teas bring regional craftsmanship to the spotlight. The figure on the left illustrates the number of influencer reels identified for these brands over the past six months. A larger logo size indicates a greater number of content pieces discovered.

The soft drinks market in India is fizzing with energy, driven by festive promotions, celebrity tie-ins, and innovative collaborations. Consumers crave bold flavors, convenient hydration, and celebratory vibes, fueling a vibrant sector pulsing with cultural and digital engagement. This market blends iconic giants with fresh contenders. Coca-Cola leads with partnerships like Jack Daniel’s x Coca-Cola, while Thums Up electrifies with Hero MotoCorp’s Mavrick 440 collaboration and Allu Arjun’s endorsement. Maaza and Réal Juices shine during festivals, emphasizing mango richness and no-added-sugar Activ ranges. Sprite chills with “Thand Rakh” campaigns, and Pepsi powers events like Star Vs Food Survival. Emerging players like Réal Fizzin and Jack & Coke add novelty. Growth is propelled by QR-code contests, sports sponsorships, and sustainability moves like PepsiCo's rPET bottles. Social media filters, festive packs, and mocktail challenges amplify this market’s refreshing, dynamic appeal. The soft drinks segment thrives on affordability, flavor variety, and cultural resonance, encompassing carbonated drinks, juices, and energy options. Consumers value refreshment, energy boosts, and healthier choices. Thums Up and Coca-Cola India lead carbonated drinks with bold campaigns, while Réal Juices and Maaza emphasize fruit-based hydration and festive ties. The figure on the left illustrates the number of influencer reels identified for these brands over the past six months. A larger logo size indicates a greater number of content pieces discovered. Some of the top brands are Coca-Cola India (63 reels), Thums Up Official (54 reels), Pepsi India (38 reels), Real Juices (35 reels), Sprite India (31 reels), Sting India (22 reels), Limca Gluco Charge (14 reels), Maaza India (13 reels), Raw Pressery (7 reels), PepsiCo India (7 reels), Tang India (6 reels), Mountain Dew India (4 reels), Gatorade India (3 reels), Fanta India (3 reels), and Limca India Official (2 reels).

Beverage brands in India are pairing everyday products with meaningful narratives to create deeper consumer connections. Continental Coffee India promotes Continental Xtra as the go-to fuel for busy, fast-paced lives, with influencers showcasing how it powers their daily grind. Tata Tea Premium taps into social messaging with its Jaago Re campaign, using tea to spark conversations around gender equality. These campaigns blend functionality with purpose, appealing to both the practical and the principled consumer. This section highlights the diverse marketing strategies employed by beverage brands in India, including Lifestyle Promotions, Brand Collaborations, Sales Events, Product Launches, and Marketing Campaigns.