Arij Pirojshaw Khambata, founder chairman of popular beverage Rasna, passed away following a heart attack in Ahmedabad, the company said on Monday. The 85-year-old industrialist passed away on November 19 following a prolonged illness. He is survived by his wife Persis, children Piruz, Delna and Rujan, his daughter-in-law Binaisha and grandson Arzin. , Arzad, Awan, Arez, Firouza and Arnavaz.
Decades ago, a modest business started by his father, Firoza Khambata, has been turned into the world’s largest concentrate manufacturer by Ariz, with a presence in more than 60 countries. He created affordable soft drink packs of Rasna in the 1970s as an alternative to soft drink products sold at higher prices. It is sold across 1.8 million retail outlets in the country.
Rasna, now the world’s largest gentle drink focus producer, still enjoys high recall and the brand’s “I love you Rasna” campaign from the 80s and 90s still resonates in the public mind. A packet of Rasna worth Rs 5 can be converted into 32 glasses of soft drink, which costs just 15 paise per glass. Rasna has nine manufacturing plants and a strong distribution network with 26 depots, 200 super stockists, 5,000 stockists, 900 salesforce with 1.6 million outlets across India.
Over the years, Rasna has won several awards including the prestigious Superior Test Award 2008 instituted by The International Test & Quality Institute, Belgium Cannes Lions London, Monde Selection Award, Master Brand the World Brand Congress Award and ITQI Superior Test & Quality Award. A few years ago, Arez Khambatta handed over the reins of the unlisted business to his son Piruz Khambatta, who is now the chairman of the group.
“Ariz Khambatta has contributed immensely to Indian industry, business and most importantly social development through social service,” the Rasna Group said in the statement.
A statement issued by the Rasna Group said: “With deep sorrow and grief, we announce the sad demise of Ariz Khambatta – Founder Chairman of Rasna Group, Ariz Khambatta Benevolent Trust and Rasna Foundation – at his heavenly abode on 19th November. announce information. , 2022.”
Khambata was the former president of the World Alliance of Parsi Iranian Zarathustis (WAPIZ). He also served as the past president of the Ahmedabad Parsi Panchayat and vice-president of the Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans Federation of India.
A recipient of the Home Guard and Civil Defense medals of the President of India as well as the Western Star, Samarseva and Sangram Medals, Khambata was also honored with the National Civilian Award for outstanding contribution in the field of commerce. “The family is committed to ensuring that the principles of their duty towards the country, then our religion and the duty to follow their ideals, be it in business or society, will be engraved in the DNA of the family for generations to come. Their The Trust and Foundation under the chairmanship have been involved in various projects related to health care, education and scholarship.
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