Indian billionaire Ravi Jaipuria’s Varun Beverages buys South Africa’s Twizza for $125 million   

India-based Varun Beverages has completed the acquisition of South African soft drink maker Twizza for R2.1 billion ($125 million), through its subsidiary, The Beverage Company (BevCo). 

Standard Bank’s Business and Commercial Banking unit confirmed the deal’s completion on March 31, 2026, after all regulatory approvals were secured, bringing the transaction to a close.

Building a homegrown brand 

Founded in 2003 in Queenstown, now known as Komani, by entrepreneur Ken Clark, Twizza built its reputation on supplying affordable, non-alcoholic drinks to consumers in underserved communities. 

Over the years, the company expanded into a family-owned business with three manufacturing and primary distribution facilities in Komani, Middelburg and Cape Town. It also developed additional income streams in contract manufacturing, packing and distribution. 

Twizza’s products are sold across South Africa and in neighboring markets, including Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana and Namibia. 

In the financial year ended June 2025, the company reported sales volumes of 71 million cases and net revenue of R1.689 billion ($100.6 million), underscoring its steady growth in a competitive market. 

Twizza employs more than 650 people and has received Top Employer certification annually since 2022.

Ravi Jaipuria deepens PepsiCo partnership

The acquisition brings Twizza into one of the largest PepsiCo-linked bottling networks globally. Varun Beverages, controlled by Indian billionaire Ravi Jaipuria, is PepsiCo’s largest bottling partner outside the United States. 

Ravi Kant Jaipuria, Founder and Chairman of Varun Beverages Limited, brings over 30 years of experience driving growth in the Food, Beverage, and Dairy sectors across South Asia and Africa.

Headquartered in India, Varun produces and distributes beverages under PepsiCo trademarks across several markets in Asia and Africa, supported by large-scale manufacturing and a broad distribution network. 

The transaction also marks a full exit for Clark and his family, ending their ownership of the business.

“From our beginnings in Queenstown to becoming a recognised player in South Africa’s beverage market, our focus has always been on delivering affordable, quality products,” Clark said. “Under BevCo’s ownership, the business is well placed to grow further while continuing to serve consumers.” 

Twizza sale signals expansion, strong bidding

Lisle Clark, Twizza’s chief executive, said the deal opens a new chapter for the company as it looks to expand its reach and capabilities. 

Raven Moodley, head of corporate finance advisory at Standard Bank South Africa, said the sale highlights how strong operating performance and timing can help companies secure favorable outcomes. 

Standard Bank said it ran a competitive process that drew interest from both local and international bidders, helping to maximize value for shareholders.