Restaurant India News: Varun Beverages to Acquire Crickley Dairy for Rs 131.47 Crore

Varun Beverages Ltd has announced that its South African subsidiary, The Beverage Company Proprietary Ltd, will acquire Crickley Dairy Proprietary Ltd for Rs 131.47 crore, marking a move to expand beyond its core beverage portfolio.

According to the company, Bevco “has executed an agreement dated March 17, 2026, for the acquisition of a 100 percent equity stake of Crickley Dairy Proprietary Ltd, which is incorporated in South Africa”.

The transaction will be completed through the purchase of shares from Clark Holdings Proprietary Ltd, which currently owns the dairy business.

VBL stated that the acquisition is in line with its broader strategy to diversify its offerings by entering adjacent categories such as value-added dairy and juice-based beverages, segments that are increasingly relevant for foodservice and hospitality consumption. The deal is subject to regulatory clearances, including approval from the Competition Commission of South Africa, along with other customary approvals.

This development comes after the company’s earlier announcement in December regarding the full acquisition of South Africa-based beverage company Twizza through Bevco.

In March 2024, Varun Beverages had acquired Bevco along with its wholly owned subsidiaries, strengthening its operational presence across franchised markets such as South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini, while also expanding distribution rights in Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, and Madagascar.

The latest transaction is expected to deepen VBL’s presence in the region and support its shift toward a broader beverage and food portfolio, particularly as hospitality and foodservice operators look for integrated sourcing across categories.