A 90s kid will definitely know about "bunta soda". This used to be a well-liked desi drink that was available in many street-side stores in bottles with a marble inside that has a codd neck. In the South, it is referred to as "goli soda," even though "bunta soda" is more common in Northern India (both terms refer to the marble inside).
Furthermore, the beverage is known as "fotash jol" in Kolkata; "jol" is a Bengali term for "water," and "fotash" is the noise made when the bottle pops. This is not the end of the list. A number of Indian soda brands have gained popularity over time and are now competitively challenging international brands such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and others.
Now, ever consider how soda consumption started in India?
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From Where Did The Saga Of Soda Began In India?
According to historians by the start of the 1800s, soda was widely consumed in England. The drink inevitably made its way to India, where it was elevated to a luxury status and enjoyed by the Brits. Henry Rogers, a chemist in Bombay, established what was probably the first "aerated water" factory in western India in 1837. Indians quickly developed a deep affection for this fizzy drink, also known as club soda.
Due to Roger's success, Parsi businesspeople began to search for a way to make money off of this British beverage. According to historian Dinyar Patel's article for the BBC, Mumbai (then known as Bombay) had over 150 licenced soda factories by 1913.
Let's look at a few of these iconic home-grown soda brands that dominated the market for many years.
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1. Rogers
Founded in 1837, the company offered Indian consumers more than just carbonated beverages. Mumbai used well water, which the locals described as a "yellowish-brown muddy liquid with foul smell" in the early 19th century. Finally, there was a cholera outbreak that claimed hundreds of lives. At that point, people began drinking carbonated water, which was said to play a role in eliminating bacteria and viruses from the body. At this point, the Parsis recognised a commercial opportunity in the new fizzy drink that the Brits were consuming.
2. Ardeshir & Sons
This Pune-based company, well-known for its sodas and soft drinks, proudly proclaims, "Great taste and quality since 1884". In addition to the repeatedly well-liked raspberry, lemon, and jeera flavours, they have added green apple, peach, and pineapple over the years.
3. Palonji’s
Whenever visiting an Iranian Cafe in Mumbai, people will definitely see a bottle of Palonji's sweet raspberry soda. It wouldn't be an overstatement to say that a trip to a Parsi restaurant wouldn't be complete without indulging in the beverage. Since the beginning in 1865, Palonji's has dominated people's hearts. Palonji soda can now be found in Delhi, Bengaluru, and London (apart from Mumbai).
4. Duke’s
Dinshawji Pandole, a Parsi businessman, established Duke's in 1889. While on tour in England with a Parsi cricket team, Pandole gave the drink its name in honour of the brand of cricket ball he was using. When Duke' invented flavoured sodas, there was an explosion of excitement in the market.
5. Cottons & Co.
In 1906, this prominent brand set out on its journey in Kolkata. Many were reminded of their childhoods by the brand, which sold ice cream soda and ginger ale. Regretfully, the intense rivalry among the international soft drink brands made it difficult for them to survive the competition. But when searching around a bit, it might be possible to find some locations in Kolkata—particularly in the Esplanade area—that are still serving these delectable beverages.
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6. Sosyo
Businessman Abbas Rahim Hajoori, who was based in Surat, founded this brand in 1923. The Latin word Socious (member), which means friend, served as the inspiration for the name Socio, which he gave to this juice-based aerated drink. The beverage gained widespread recognition right away and even crossed borders. Subsequently, the brand noticed that the pronunciation of "Socio" was heavily influenced by local speech, so in 1953 it changed its name to "Sosyo." Additionally, sosyo is being exported to several nations these days.
7. Bovonto
Bovonto is a well-known brand that is available all over Tamil Nadu (Kalimark Bovonto). When the grape-flavoured carbonated beverage entered the market in 1958, it never looked back. The founding family of the company still oversees it today, having founded it in 1916, making it over a century old. Fans of Bovonto claim that the beverage is essential following a spicy meal. Currently, this well-liked beverage is also exported.
Global brands have completely transformed the beverage landscape in India and beyond over time. Since 1992, domestic brands have been surpassed by brands such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi, making it difficult for them to compete. Even though some brands have become outdated, others are still relevant in the cutthroat industry.