Goli Soda sees a resurgence in demand in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Goli Soda, is a century-old product, and still continues to be one of the most sought-after drinks and is now available in multi flavours in the market.

Andhra Goli Soda, is a century-old product, and still continues to be one of the most sought-after drinks and is now available in multi flavours in the market.

The drink, popularly known as ‘sada (normal) soda’ and ‘colour soda’ is now being manufactured with different flavours, including nimma soda, sweet soda, salt soda, salt and sweet, suganda soda and other varieties.

The locally made soda, popularly known as goli soda, was being sold at ₹15 (sada soda) by roadside vendors, and the price of other varieties was ₹25. However, goli soda is now being sold at ₹50 in some hotels and restaurants.

“In some restaurants, ‘codd-necked bottle soda’ is being sold at ₹60 in Hyderabad and other places. Goli Soda has become a favourite drink at weddings and other functions,” said a soda supplier named Venkatesh.

Though some 50 varieties of soft drinks, flavoured milk and brands were in the market, goli soda, was still in leading and most sought after local-made drink for many.

Balla Veerabhradra Rao, popularly known as Soda Bandi Veerabhadra Rao, and his family members were making and selling goli soda for more than 50 years in Palakol and the neighbouring villages, in West Godavari district.

“My father used to sell soda for five paise. I used to accompany my father when I was ten years old. I began selling goli soda in my childhood for 15 paise. For more than 75 years, Andhra Goli Soda was a favourite of all my family members,” says Balla Sada Sivaiah, son of Veerabhadra Rao, who was seen selling sodas on his ‘bandi’ along with his wife, Prabhavathi.