A New Era in India’s Soft Drink Market
Until recently, the Indian soft drink scene was pretty simple: Coca-Cola and Pepsi ruled almost every fridge and shop. For years, these global brands had a near-monopoly, owning over 90% of a market now worth about ₹60,000 crore. But now, two Indian brands, Campa and Lahori Zeera, have turned the tables and started a real “fizzy war.”
The buzz began as Indian consumers started craving fresh, local flavours and pocket-friendly rates. This pushed open the door for new players. As a result, in just the first nine months of 2025, Campa and Lahori Zeera’s combined market share almost doubled—from 7% to around 15%—while Coke and Pepsi together slipped down to 85%. Losing that much ground in a year is a big wake-up call for the giants.
Meet the Contenders
Campa: Old Favourite with a Modern Twist
If you remember the ’80s and ’90s, Campa Cola probably brings back memories. It was “The Great Indian Taste” before Coke and Pepsi even arrived in India. After disappearing for a while, Campa made a comeback when Reliance bought the brand in 2022 and relaunched it in 2023.
Reliance went all-in: they revived nostalgia, set prices low with a ₹10 pack, spread Campa through their massive distribution network, and spent big on advertising. This meant that you could find Campa everywhere—from small stores to metro stations, and even being promoted by celebrities.
Lahori Zeera: A Taste of India
Lahori Zeera started out in Punjab in 2017 and quickly clicked with people who love desi flavours. Instead of trying to copy colas, it offered a fizzy drink based on cumin (jeera), a spice loved all across India.
Lahori’s smart moves included sticking to the ₹10 price, focusing on local shops through 2,500+ distributors, and launching new drinks like Aamras and Masala Cola. Their mission: bring desi tastes to the entire nation, planning to cover up to 90% of India’s pin codes.
Why Are Campa and Lahori Zeera Winning?
The answer is simple: they nailed the “three Ps”—Price, Palate, and Placement.
Price: Both brands targeted the ₹10 price point, making their drinks super affordable. Coke and Pepsi were forced to respond by bringing back ₹10 bottles.
Palate: Instead of only Western colas, these new players leaned into Indian tastes. Campa brought nostalgia; Lahori Zeera introduced traditional spices and mango flavours.
Placement: Reliance got Campa into every corner shop and supermarket, while Lahori Zeera built up its network from scratch, focusing on the millions who shop at local kirana stores.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Coca-Cola & PepsiCo | Campa & Lahori Zeera |
|---|---|---|
| Position | Global giants | Fast up-and-comers |
| Flavours | Western (cola, lemon-lime) | Indian (jeera, aamras) |
| Key Price | Premium & some mass-market | Affordable ₹10 packs |
| Distribution | Huge traditional network | Reliance retail & local distributors |
| Strengths | Big budgets, brand loyalty | Desi appeal, aggressive marketing |
What’s Next for Shoppers and the Market?
Competition is a win for everyone who loves a cold drink. You’ll find more choices, better value, and new flavors that suit Indian tastes. The big brands are fighting to keep up, and the result is a wave of innovation that benefits shoppers across the country.
Plus, the rise of homegrown brands proves that Indian companies can take on multinationals—and win.
Conclusion
Campa and Lahori Zeera’s rapid rise isn’t just a business story. It’s an example of how understanding the Indian customer—what we like, what we can spend, and where we shop—can shake up even the biggest markets. The days of soft drink duopoly are gone, and the future is more local, more flavorful, and more competitive than ever.
FAQs
Campa is owned by Reliance Consumer Products. Lahori Zeera is a Punjabi brand under Archian Foods and is backed by international investors.
They focus on popular Indian flavours and affordable pricing, making them a hit with local buyers.
Campa is now widely available thanks to Reliance’s big retail push. Lahori Zeera can be found in many local shops, with plans to go nationwide soon.
Both have brought back ₹10 bottles to compete and are ramping up their marketing efforts.
Lahori Zeera is experimenting with more desi flavours like Masala Cola and Aamras, while Campa may expand further through Reliance’s stores and events.
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