Reliance Consumer Products Ltd (RCPL) has joined hands with former Sri Lankan cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan to introduce a new sports drink, Spinner, in India. The beverage, priced at Rs 10 for a 150 ml bottle, aims to disrupt the sports drink market by offering a more affordable alternative to established brands like Gatorade and Powerade.
Spinner sports drinks are being bottled at Muttiah Beverages’ plant in Mysore, which also handles packaging for Campa soft drinks. RCPL has an existing partnership with Muralitharan’s company for contract packaging of Campa cans.
The Rs 10 price point is seen as a game-changer in the premium sports drink category, which has struggled to gain traction in India due to high pricing. Analysts predict that this move could significantly expand the Rs 240 crore market over the next five years.
PepsiCo’s Gatorade, currently priced at Rs 50 for 500 ml, and Coca-Cola’s Limca Sportz, endorsed by Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra, are among the key competitors in this segment. The launch of Spinner comes ahead of the summer season, which typically sees increased demand for beverages, including soft drinks and sports drinks.
Reliance’s partnership with Muralitharan extends beyond Spinner, as RCPL had previously collaborated with his company Ceylon Beverage International, a Sri Lanka-based beverage cans and filling firm. There is speculation that Reliance may also acquire distribution rights for some of Ceylon Beverage International’s brands in India.
With Reliance expanding its presence in the beverage industry, Spinner is expected to carve a niche in the Indian sports drink market, offering consumers an affordable and accessible hydration solution.