The popular Indian cola brand acquired by Coca-Cola in 1993 was Thums Up.
Thums Up was created in India in 1977 after Coca-Cola withdrew from the country. Parle developed the drink as a distinctly Indian cola, with a stronger, spicier flavor profile and a highly carbonated texture. Its name was originally planned as “Thumbs Up,” but the “b” was dropped to make the brand distinctive.
When Coca-Cola returned to India in 1993, it purchased Thums Up along with Parle’s Limca and Gold Spot brands for about $60 million. Thums Up was already exceptionally strong, reportedly holding around 85% of India’s cola market at the time.
A common mix-up is assuming Coca-Cola created Thums Up. In fact, Coca-Cola initially considered reducing the brand’s presence to promote its flagship cola, but retained and relaunched it after recognizing its popularity and its importance in competing with Pepsi.