PepsiCo extends Varun Beverages bottling pact to 2049, lifts exclusivity curbs

PepsiCo extended VBL's exclusive India bottling and trademark license by a decade to April 2049 and removed restrictions, freeing the bottler to pursue non-PepsiCo activities. Shares jumped 3.45% to a 52-week high of Rs 222.45, pushing market cap to Rs 1.80 lakh crore.

— Source publishedFri, 22 May, 2026, 09:44 IST·First seen Fri, 22 May, 2026, 10:02 IST·Source Business Today · Latest

What happened

PepsiCo extended Varun Beverages' exclusive bottling and trademark license for India to April 2049 from 2039, and lifted restrictions allowing VBL to pursue

Key facts

  • +3.45%
  • Rs 222.45 52-week high
  • Rs 1.80 lakh crore market cap
  • EBA extended to April 30, 2049 from 2039

Why this matters

Removal of exclusivity curbs opens VBL to bolt-on acquisitions or partnerships in adjacent beverage categories, potentially reshaping India's bottling competitive landscape.