Brands
India’s fizzy nostalgia pops back onto global shelves
MUMBAI: India’s beloved Goli Soda, a drink once pushed to extinction’s edge by multinational beverage behemoths, is enjoying a sparkling resurrection on the global stage. Rebranded as “Goli Pop Soda” and backed by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), this fizzy blast from the past is bubbling up in international markets with unexpected vigour.
The humble drink—whose name derives from the glass marble that seals the bottle and creates its signature pop—has already fizzed its way into shopping trolleys across America, Britain, continental Europe and the Gulf states. A strategic coupling with Fair Exports India has secured prominent shelf space in Lulu Hypermarket, the Gulf’s retail colossus, where thousands of bottles now tempt shoppers seeking exotic refreshment.
In Britain, where colonial nostalgia meets multicultural curiosity, Goli Pop Soda has become something of a cultural phenomenon. The beverage has struck a chord with consumers thirsty for authenticity—or at least the appearance of it—in an age of manufactured experiences.
What distinguishes this carbonated comeback kid from lesser soft drinks is its ingenious packaging, featuring a pop opener that delivers the satisfying release of pressure that generations of Indian drinkers recall with misty-eyed fondness. This marriage of tradition and modern marketing has transformed a humble street drink into an international conversation piece.
The official global launch on 4 February was celebrated with appropriate pomp and circumstance, as officials from APEDA joined forces with leading agri and processed food exporter ABNN for a flag-off ceremony that verged on the theatrical. The gathering served as a fizzy reminder of India’s determination to bottle and export its cultural heritage alongside its agricultural products.
Further cementing its international credentials, Goli Pop Soda made a splash at London’s International Food & Drink Event from 17-19 March, where it stood shoulder-to-shoulder with global brands despite its relatively modest origins. The exhibition served as a platform for Indian entrepreneurs to court international buyers, many of whom were experiencing the distinctive pop and fizz for the first time.
As multinational beverage companies watch, this plucky Indian upstart is demonstrating that homegrown flavours can indeed compete with international heavyweights. In the increasingly crowded global beverage market, Goli Pop Soda has found its niche by offering something these giants cannot—authentic nostalgia from the subcontinent, bottled for export.
For APEDA, the success represents more than just sales figures; it’s a carbonated case study in how traditional Indian products can be repackaged for global consumption without losing their essential character. Whether this effervescent experiment will maintain its fizz in international markets remains to be seen, but for now, the world appears to be raising a Goli to India’s beverage heritage.
Brands
KKR sixes to power EV charger rollout under VIDA campaign
Cricket meets clean mobility as big hits spark India’s charging growth
NEW DELHI: VIDA, the electric mobility arm of Hero MotoCorp, has teamed up with Kolkata Knight Riders to launch a campaign that turns cricketing flair into real-world impact.
Titled ‘6 for 6’, the initiative promises to install a 6kW fast EV charger for every six hit by KKR during the ongoing Indian Premier League season. The idea is simple but powerful, as each big hit on the field contributes directly to expanding India’s fast-charging infrastructure.
The campaign builds on VIDA’s growing network, which already spans over 5,300 fast-charging points across more than 430 cities. With EV adoption gaining pace, the brand is using cricket’s mass appeal to accelerate both awareness and infrastructure growth.
Explaining the thinking behind the move, Hero MotoCorp emerging mobility business unit chief business officer Kausalya Nandakumar said, “Cricket has an incredible ability to unite and inspire millions across the country. With the ‘6 for 6’ campaign, we are turning every big hit on the field into a step towards a cleaner and a more accessible mobility future.”
She added that VIDA’s expanding fast-charging network and removable battery technology are designed to make EV ownership more convenient and practical for everyday users.
From the franchise’s side, the campaign is also about giving on-field moments a larger purpose. Kolkata Knight Riders chief executive officer Venky Mysore said, “The ‘6 for 6’ campaign exemplifies the potential of sport as a platform for meaningful, real-world impact. By linking every six to the expansion of EV charging infrastructure, this partnership transforms fan excitement into tangible progress.”
As part of the rollout, VIDA has introduced co-branded charging stations in KKR’s signature colours, with a flagship installation unveiled alongside team players. The chargers are designed for quick top-ups, powering VIDA scooters from zero to 80 percent in about an hour, while also being positioned along key highways to support longer journeys.
The initiative also taps into VIDA’s removable battery system, which allows users to charge using standard household plug points, adding flexibility to the charging ecosystem.
By blending the thrill of cricket with the urgency of clean mobility, VIDA and KKR have found a neat way to make every six count twice, once on the scoreboard and again on India’s road to an electric future.
