Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Pune’s 142-Year-Old Soda Brand Survives Beyond Coca-Cola
Ardeshir’s is a very old soda company from Pune, India.
It began making soda in 1884 because bringing drinks from Bombay was difficult.
The company first became known for soda water.
Later, it made raspberry soda and many other flavours.
Ardeshir’s stayed a small family business serving mostly Pune.
Coca-Cola became much bigger because it used large distribution networks and extensive advertising.
Even though many people outside Pune may not know Ardeshir’s, local customers still value it.
Its drinks are seen as a small taste of Pune’s history.
Ardeshir’s began producing soda locally in Pune’s Camp area in 1884.
The family-run brand became known for soda water and raspberry fizz.
Its flavours have included lemon, orange, ginger, jal jeera, cola and ice-cream soda.
Ardeshir’s remained focused on Pune, while Coca-Cola expanded through large-scale distribution and advertising.
The brand continues to operate under the Irani family and is linked to Pune’s Parsi food culture.
- Who
- Ardeshir’s, which continues to be run by the Irani family, and Coca-Cola as a comparison.
- What
- A 142-year-old Pune soda brand has survived as a local institution while Coca-Cola became an international brand.
- When
- Ardeshir’s began producing soda in 1884 and was described as 142 years old in 2026.
- Where
- The business began in Pune’s Camp area, with supplies previously linked to Bombay.
- Why
- It was created to meet local demand, and it remained focused on its home market rather than pursuing nationwide distribution.
- Founded
- 1884
- Age in 2026
- 142 years
- Location
- Pune’s Camp area
- Signature drink
- Raspberry soda
- Other flavours
- Lemon, orange, ginger, jal jeera, cola and ice-cream soda
- Ownership
- Run by the Irani family
- Packaging
- Traditionally sold in glass bottles