Lehar Pepsi was a soft drink brand that was sold in India by PepsiCo in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Here's a brief history:
* Early Entry: PepsiCo initially entered the Indian market in 1988. Due to government regulations at the time that favored local brands, Pepsi was marketed under the name "Lehar Pepsi." "Lehar" means "wave" in Hindi.
* Joint Venture: PepsiCo formed a joint venture with Voltas and Punjab Agro Industries Corporation (PAIC) to facilitate its entry.
* "Yeh Hai Right Choice Baby!": Lehar Pepsi launched with a memorable and popular advertising campaign featuring the tagline "Yeh Hai Right Choice Baby!" (This is the right choice, baby!). This campaign is often credited with significantly contributing to the brand's success and establishing Pepsi's image as a youthful and energetic drink in India.
* Shift to Pepsi: When the Indian economy liberalized in the early 1990s, foreign brands were allowed to use their global names. Consequently, Lehar Pepsi was eventually rebranded simply as Pepsi.
So, while you might not find "Lehar Pepsi" on store shelves today, it holds a nostalgic place in the memory of many Indians as the initial avatar of the globally recognized Pepsi brand in the country.
It's interesting to note that "Lehar" is still used by PepsiCo in India for a line of traditional savory snacks (namkeen).
