New Delhi, June 20 -- Asahi Group Holdings is preparing to roll out its Calpis dairy drinks brand in India through a franchise agreement with PepsiCo bottler Varun Beverages.

In a statement today, the Japanese company said the launch of the fermented milk-based drink marks its debut in the "non-alcohol/non-carbonated beverage market" in India.

The Tokyo-listed group exports alcohol beverages to the market including Asahi Super Dry lager.

Calpis is expected to land in the market in the second half of this year "or thereafter", the group's statement said. Asahi will launch the brand in two flavours, original and mango.

The drinks will be sold 180ml bottles and priced at Rs20 ($0.21) each, the company confirmed to Just Drinks.

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