Jahangeer Ganaie
Pulwama, Aug 6: A man from south Kashmir’s Pulwama district is making waves in the beverage industry with the launch of Kashmir’s first carbonated soft drink brand, Red Stone, which has quickly gained popularity among consumers.
Aaqib Tufail Raina, a resident of Raina Colony Arihal, Pulwama, an emerging industrialist, has introduced a fruit juice-based beverage containing fruit extracts in four to five different flavours.
The flagship flavour combines the essence of Kashmiri fruits and spices, setting it apart from other soft drinks in the market. “I had the concept of starting this project for several years, and finally, I managed to launch it this year,” Aaqib said.
Aaqib said he was inspired by his time in Chennai and Tamil Nadu, where non-caffeinated products are popular, which led him to bring a similar concept to Kashmir. “Initially, the project employs 15 youth directly, with the potential to generate employment opportunities for hundreds more indirectly,” he said.
In the next season, Aaqib plans to triple the production, which will create even more job opportunities.
Red Stone stands out as the first caffeine-free carbonated product in Kashmir, benefiting from the region’s excellent water resources. The company aims to establish franchises in every district to engage more youth and generate employment.
The packaging of Red Stone is particularly noteworthy, featuring eye-catching designs that reflect the cultural richness of Kashmir. The bottles and cans are adorned with vibrant colours and traditional motifs, appealing to consumers and reinforcing the brand’s Kashmiri identity.
