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Ravi Jaipuria is a prominent Indian entrepreneur known for his significant contributions to the beverage and fast-food industries. Hailing from a family with a rich history in business and banking, his father, Chunilal Jaipuria, was a co-founder of the Bank of Rajasthan, which was later sold. The family also played a key role in the textile trade as distributors for Raymond, a major Indian brand.

In the 1960s, Chunilal’s chance encounter with a Coca-Cola executive in Atlanta led to the Jaipuria family securing a Coca-Cola bottling franchise. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of their journey into the beverage industry.

As of 2023, Varun Beverages, the company built by Ravi Jaipuria, reported impressive net revenues of Rs 16,042.58 crore, and in 2024, the company’s revenue rose to Rs 20,481.32 crore.

Ravi Jaipuria's Early Life

Ravi Jaipuria’s early education took him to New York, where he pursued a business management degree. He later moved to Montreal, Canada, where he set up a textile and real estate business. However, tragedy struck in 1985 when his wife died in a plane crash while returning from Canada. After this devastating loss, Ravi returned to India and eventually remarried.

The Birth of Varun Beverages

In 1987, Chunilal Jaipuria divided the family business among his three sons, with Ravi inheriting the Coca-Cola bottling plant. This marked the start of Varun Beverages Ltd., a company that bottles and distributes both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages, including globally recognized brands like Seven-Up, Lipton, Tropicana, Lay’s, and Doritos.

Under Ravi’s leadership, Varun Beverages grew into PepsiCo’s largest bottler in India and one of its largest franchises worldwide. The company now operates across India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Morocco, Mozambique, and Zambia. Ravi further expanded the company’s reach, securing franchise agreements that span 27 states and 7 union territories in India. His strategic leadership led to a successful IPO for Varun Beverages in 2016. He also strengthened his position by acquiring his elder brother’s bottling business in Delhi.

Expansion into Fast Food with Devyani International

In 1997, Ravi Jaipuria expanded his business interests by entering the fast-food industry, launching Devyani International Ltd. as a franchisee for Yum! Brands. The company operates outlets for popular brands such as KFC, Pizza Hut, TWG Tea, and Costa Coffee. Devyani International went public in 2021 and is now listed on both the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange.

In 1992, Ravi also founded RJ Corp, a diversified conglomerate with investments spanning beverages, fast food, healthcare, education, and hotels. RJ Corp owns 27.4% of Varun Beverages and 59.3% of Devyani International.

Family and Legacy

Ravi Jaipuria lives in New Delhi with his family. His son serves as the Executive Vice-President and full-time director of Varun Beverages, while his daughter, Ruchira Jaipuria, works with Devyani International, continuing the family’s entrepreneurial legacy.