Indian billionaire Ravi Jaipuria is reportedly scaling up his investment in Africa with a $40 million juice, snacks, and dairy complex in Zimbabwe.

Through Varun Beverages, the firm recently bought Twizza, the South African beverage producer, for $125 million. Varun Beverages has expanded its reach across several African nations and is now opening a subsidiary in Kenya to boost activities such as manufacturing and distribution.

According to a report by Business Insider, the new facilities rolled out through Varun Beverages include a juice and dairy blend manufacturing plant and a Cheetos production facility, representing another key investment by the Pepsi bottling giant in the Southern African region. The expansion comes on the heels of Varun Beverages' completion of its $125 million acquisition of Twizza via its subsidiary, The Beverage Company (BevCo), solidifying its position in Africa's competitive soft drinks market. The deal was completed in April following regulatory approvals.

Who is Ravi Jaipuria?

Jaipuria, popularly known as India's "Cola King," has steadily positioned Africa with a focus on his global expansion plan. His company has also moved into Central Africa. In June 2025, Varun Beverages RDC SAS unveiled construction of a USD 50 million Pepsi bottling facility in the Kiswishi Special Economic Zone in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

What is his net worth?

According to Forbes, the 70-year-old Indian billionaire has a net worth of $12.3 billion, driven by his far-reaching soft drinks, restaurant, bottling, and food production empire.

Zimbabwean President praises the latest investment

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa praised Jaipuria's latest investment, stating, "The added US$20 million investment by Varun Beverages marks industrial diversification, creation of employment opportunities for our people and manufacturing sector integration into both regional and global value chains," he said during the commissioning event.