Varun Beverages Finalizes Two Billion Rand Acquisition of Twizza to Expand PepsiCo Bottling Network in Southern Africa

India's Varun Beverages finalizes the purchase of South African drink maker Twizza for R2.1 billion. See how this impacts the PepsiCo bottling network.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 31, 2026, 8:09 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from IOL

Cross Border Transaction Solidifies India Based Multinational Presence in African Markets

The South African soft drink landscape has undergone a significant structural shift following the formal conclusion of the R2.1 billion sale of Twizza Proprietary Limited to the Beverage Company. Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking confirmed on Tuesday that all necessary regulatory hurdles have been cleared, allowing Varun Beverages to incorporate the local manufacturer into its global portfolio. This acquisition is the culmination of a multi stage expansion strategy by the India based firm, which previously acquired Bevco in 2024, and now commands a formidable share of the non alcoholic beverage market across Southern Africa.

From Eastern Cape Startup to International Bottling Infrastructure

Twizza’s journey from a regional entrepreneur led enterprise to a multi billion rand acquisition target reflects the scalable potential of South Africa's consumer economy. Founded in 2003 by Ken Clark in Queenstown, the company was built on the premise of providing high quality, affordable refreshments to under served markets. Over two decades, it evolved from a family owned business into a major industrial player with internationally accredited facilities in Middelburg, Cape Town, and its original home in the Eastern Cape. This local success story now serves as the foundation for Varun’s broader ambitions to dominate the affordable beverage segment.

Strategic Integration Into the Global PepsiCo Franchise Ecosystem

The acquisition places Twizza’s operational assets within one of the most expansive franchise bottling networks in the world. Varun Beverages is a key international partner for PepsiCo, specializing in the manufacturing and distribution of carbonated soft drinks and energy drinks under iconic global trademarks. By absorbing Twizza, Varun gains immediate access to a sophisticated supply chain and contract manufacturing revenue streams that extend beyond South African borders into Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana, and Namibia. This integration is expected to yield significant technical capabilities and cost efficiencies for the combined entity.