Global FMCG Majors Eye India as Key Growth Market
Boosted by Resilient Demand and Rising Premiumisation
New Delhi: India’s consumer goods market is witnessing a surge in demand, and global FMCG majors are taking notice. These multinational companies, including Mondelez International, L’Oréal, Reckitt, Unilever, Nestlé, and Coca-Cola, have identified India as a key long-term growth market and a major contributor to their future expansion.
Resilient Demand Drives Growth
The latest earnings calls from these companies have highlighted strong demand, market share gains, and opportunities to deepen their retail presence in India. American snacking major Mondelez International, which owns iconic brands such as Oreo, Cadbury Dairy Milk, and Toblerone, reported solid demand in India during the second quarter of 2026. The company added another 1 lakh stores to its retail network in the country, further expanding its reach.
Consumer Confidence Remains Strong
Mondelez Chairman and CEO Dirk Van de Put described consumer confidence in emerging markets, including India, as “very strong”. This sentiment is echoed by other global FMCG majors, which are witnessing robust growth in India. French beauty products maker L’Oréal, for instance, reported a growth of over 70 per cent in its India business in the June quarter, ahead of the market.
E-commerce Continues to Drive Growth
L’Oréal’s CEO Nicolas Hieronimus attributed the company’s strong performance in India to the continued growth of e-commerce. The company’s e-commerce platform has been performing strongly, contributing to its overall growth. Similarly, Unilever CEO Fernando Fernandez said India, its second-largest market, “accelerated strongly” during the quarter.
Distribution and Premiumisation Key to Growth
British FMCG major Reckitt, which owns popular brands such as Dettol, Durex, Harpic, and Veet, reported high single-digit growth in India, driven by broad-based gains across categories, wider distribution, and improved in-store execution. Reckitt CEO Kris Licht cited increasingly smart distribution as a key factor driving the company’s growth in India.
India’s Potential Unfolds
The growth of India’s consumer goods market is driven by a combination of factors, including rising premiumisation, expanding distribution, and strong growth across digital and e-commerce channels. Global FMCG majors are taking note of India’s potential and are stepping up investments in the country. As India continues to grow and develop, these multinational companies are poised to reap the benefits of this rapidly expanding market.
A Key Long-Term Growth Market
India’s consumer goods market is expected to continue growing, driven by a large and young population, increasing disposable incomes, and a growing middle class. Global FMCG majors are well-positioned to capitalize on this growth, with many already having a significant presence in the country. As the market continues to evolve, these companies will be looking to deepen their retail presence, expand their distribution networks, and offer a wider range of products to Indian consumers.
Conclusion
India’s consumer goods market is witnessing a surge in demand, driven by a combination of factors, including rising premiumisation, expanding distribution, and strong growth across digital and e-commerce channels. Global FMCG majors are taking note of India’s potential and are stepping up investments in the country. As India continues to grow and develop, these multinational companies are poised to reap the benefits of this rapidly expanding market.