Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL) has launched a new sports drink, ‘Spinner,’ co-created with cricket legend Muttiah Muralitharan. Priced at Rs 10, the product aims to establish a $1 billion sports beverage market in India within three years, according to the company’s statement.
Spinner will be promoted through partnerships with top IPL teams, including Lucknow Super Giants, SunRisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans, and Mumbai Indians. These collaborations will enhance brand visibility and consumer awareness nationwide. The drink is available in three flavors—Lemon, Orange, and Nitro Blue.
Muralitharan expressed enthusiasm about the launch, emphasizing the importance of hydration in sports and daily activities. He described Spinner as a game-changer designed to keep Indians active and hydrated.
The launch comes as India braces for rising summer temperatures, with demand for cooling products such as soft drinks, ice creams, and air conditioners expected to surge. The Indian Meteorological Department has reported temperatures 6-8 degrees above normal in northern regions.
RCPL has partnered with Muralitharan’s company, Muttiah Beverages, which also bottles Campa soft drinks at its Mysore plant. This strategic move by Reliance places it in direct competition with established players like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo.
Coca-Cola India entered the sports hydration market three years ago with Limca Sportz, endorsed by Olympic javelin medallist Neeraj Chopra. PepsiCo’s Gatorade, a leading global sports drink, is priced at Rs 50 for a 500ml bottle.
The Indian hydration market is valued at approximately $1 billion annually, though it remains concentrated in urban areas. Analysts estimate the sports drinks segment at around Rs 240 crore but believe the introduction of mass-market pricing at Rs 10 could significantly expand its reach over the next five years.
A report by Mordor Intelligence projects that India’s sports drinks market will reach $103.6 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.35% from 2025 to 2030. This growth is driven by increasing health consciousness and evolving consumer preferences.
Reliance has previously demonstrated its ability to disrupt the beverage industry. In 2022, it acquired the then-defunct Campa Cola brand and successfully relaunched it. Campa Cola generated Rs 400 crore in revenue during 2023-24 and is projected to reach Rs 1,000 crore this fiscal year. The brand has secured over 10% market share in select states.
Analysts believe that Reliance’s aggressive pricing, higher trade commissions, and PET-only bottle strategy with Campa Cola have impacted competitors like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo. This new move into the sports drinks market is expected to further intensify competition in the Indian beverage sector.