In 1884, a young Zoroastrian immigrant, Ardeshir Khodadad Irani, arrived in Pune from Yazd with little money and a clear idea. When soda water from Bombay ran short, British soldiers and local residents struggled in the heat. Ardeshir set up a small soda-water experiment in a rented barrack, using charcoal to generate carbonation. Soon he added sugar and natural flavourings, and Ardeshir’s sodas -raspberry, orangeade, lemonade, spicy ginger, ice-cream soda, and more earned a loyal following.
Four generations later, the brand is helmed by his great-grandson Marzban Irani. The commitment remains the same: hand-crafted flavour mixes and returnable glass bottles that favour both taste and sustainability traditions bigger brands often abandon.
Ardeshir hasn’t chased massive expansion. Instead, it has stayed true to Pune especially the Camp area and Irani cafés where a cold bottle is as much heritage as refreshment. After 140 years, the recipe is simple: authentic flavour, local pride, and a story you can taste.
