Reliance Retail takes Elephant House beverages to India

Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL), a subsidiary of Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL), has entered a partnership with Sri Lanka's Elephant House to manufacture, distribute, and sell the Elephant House brand of beverages in India.

RCPL, which already has an extensive FMCG portfolio, aims to expand its offering and provide Indian consumers with more choice and value, RCPL said in a statement on Wednesday, according to media reports. Elephant House, owned by Ceylon Cold Stores PLC, is known for its wide range of beverages. RCPL is focused on rapidly expanding its operations to reach more consumers across various markets.

RCPL aims to leverage its strong distribution network and retail presence to make the beverages easily accessible to Indian consumers. The partnership will also help Elephant House expand its reach beyond Sri Lanka and tap into the large and growing Indian market.

Lalith Weeratunga, CEO of Ceylon Cold Stores PLC said, "We believe that Reliance's extensive reach and expertise in the Indian market will be instrumental in growing the Elephant House brand in India. This partnership will enable us to serve a wider consumer base and strengthen our presence in the region."

The statement said: "This association will not only help RCPL bolster its growing beverage portfolio that boasts iconic brands such as Campa, Sosyo, and Raskik but will also bring exceptional new products and value propositions to Indian consumers."

Elephant House is owned by Ceylon Cold Stores PLC, a subsidiary of John Keells Holdings PLC, Sri Lanka's largest listed conglomerate. Under the Elephant House brand, it manufactures and sells a wide range of beverages including Necto, Cream Soda, EGB (Ginger Beer), Orange Barley, and Lemonade to name a few.

Speaking on the partnership, Ketan Mody, COO, Reliance Consumer Products Limited, said, "Elephant House, which enjoys strong market credibility, is an iconic brand with deep-rooted heritage. This partnership will not only add its much-loved beverages to our growing FMCG portfolio but will also offer our Indian consumers great choice and value proposition through quality products."

"Being the custodian of several renowned global brands in India, Reliance is well-equipped to further expand Elephant House's established consumer brand, which has been built over 150 years," Mody said.

John Keells Group Chairperson Krishan Balendra said his conglomerate was proud to announce the expansion of the Elephant House brand to the Indian market. "Our partnership with Reliance Consumer Products Limited marks a significant milestone in the journey of our heritage brand and represents our commitment to delivering our high-quality beverages to new consumer segments." (Duruthu)