Heatwave lifts cold beverage and ice cream sales as small packs, quick commerce drive volumes

PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Naturals, Mother Dairy and Sleepy Owl ride summer demand despite price hikes. Rs 10 entry packs and Rs 20 Nimbooz anchor affordability; cold beverages now contribute 50-60% of summer share, while Sleepy Owl posts 50-75% YoY growth on quick commerce.

— Source publishedFri, 29 May, 2026, 08:28 IST·First seen Fri, 29 May, 2026, 08:39 IST·Source Times of India · Business

What happened

PepsiCo India · Intense summer heat is boosting sales of ice creams, colas and packaged cold coffee for PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Naturals, Mother Dairy and Sleepy

Key facts

  • 250ml at Rs 10
  • 400ml Nimbooz at Rs 20
  • 10% price hike Naturals
  • 50-60% summer share cold beverages
  • 50-75% YoY Sleepy Owl

Why this matters

Scout bolt-on acquisitions in cold coffee, functional drinks, and regional ice cream brands leveraging quick commerce to compress distribution build time.