FMCG
On a health kick, FMCG companies chase sugar-free rush
Driven by health awareness and the 'Eat Right Movement,' Indian packaged food companies like Britannia, Nestle, and Tata Consumer are significantly reducing sugar, sodium, and fat in their products. They're also incorporating more wholegrains, millets, and essential nutrients. This trend extends to the beverage sector, with low-sugar and non-alcoholic options gaining traction, reflecting a broader consumer shift towards healthier choices.
Small brands teach new tricks to FMCG giants
India's FMCG sector is witnessing a shift as regional brands challenge established giants with innovation and local understanding. These smaller players are gaining market share by catering to specific regional tastes and leveraging quick commerce platforms. Investors are increasingly interested in these agile brands, prompting larger companies to adapt and collaborate to stay relevant.
Demand to recover gradually, says HUL
Hindustan Unilever sees a gradual recovery in demand. The company reported a 5% revenue increase in the June quarter. Net profit rose by 6%. Rural growth is recovering steadily. Urban growth is showing an uptick, especially in smaller cities. Lower inflation and tax benefits are expected to help sustain the recovery. Ebitda margin fell during the quarter.
Unilever bets top dollar on India, US for growth
Unilever's CEO, Fernando Fernandez, announced increased investment in the US and India, its two largest markets, to drive volume growth above the group average. India, accounting for 12% of global sales, sees Priya Nair appointed as the new CEO of Hindustan Unilever.
Big Reliance Retail investors to hold similar stakes in FMCG entity
Reliance Retail is restructuring its FMCG business, consolidating it under New Reliance Consumer Products Ltd (New RCPL) as a direct subsidiary of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL). The nine global investors holding around 13% stake in Retail Ventures Ltd (RRVL) will maintain similar stakes in New RCPL.
HUL lowers prices of tea, homecare products but goes for hike in skincare segment
Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) is adjusting product prices. Price cuts are happening in tea and homecare due to lower commodity costs. Skincare prices are up because of rising palm oil prices. HUL is closely watching palm oil price movements. Rural markets are growing faster than urban ones. HUL expects urban market recovery to continue. The company's growth guidance remains unchanged.
After 26 years with Nestle India, Suresh Narayanan to retire as chairman and MD on July 31
Suresh Narayanan, the Chairman and MD of Nestle India, will retire on July 31, 2025. He served Nestle India for 26 years. Narayanan is known for reviving Maggi after a ban. Manish Tiwary, former Amazon India head, will take over as the new Managing Director. Tiwary's appointment will be effective from August 1.
Startups, regional brands good for business, says Nestle India CMD Suresh Narayanan
Nestle India's Suresh Narayanan highlights the importance of startups and regional brands in driving innovation and consumer choice. He emphasizes Nestle's commitment to sustainability, diversity, and adapting to the preferences of Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers. The company is actively working with startups and focusing on sustainable sourcing and packaging to remain relevant and competitive.
Kwality Wall's demerger to be completed by end of FY26, says HUL
Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) is proceeding with the demerger of its ice-cream business, Kwality Wall's (India) Limited (KWIL), aiming for completion by the end of FY2026. Announced in January 2025, the demerger will result in a separate listed entity on the stock exchange. The company has already secured regulatory approvals from both BSE and NSE in May.
Former Reckitt Benckiser CMD CM Sethi passes away
C.M. Sethi, former CMD of Reckitt Benckiser India, passed away on Wednesday. Known for his leadership, Sethi expanded the company’s presence beyond Dettol into household and personal care segments with brands like Harpic, Lizol, Vanish, and Mortein. He was respected for his strategic vision and mentorship, significantly shaping the company’s growth in India.
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Emami unveils new brand identity to mark 50th anniversary
Emami Ltd. celebrated its 50th anniversary by unveiling a new corporate identity, symbolizing its global presence and adaptability. The redesigned logo features an evolved ellipse, now a sphere, representing Emami's worldwide reach. The rebranding includes a modern typeface and distinct colors for each business, reflecting a unified yet diverse identity and forward momentum.
Reliance Retail enters ayurvedic beauty space with Puraveda on Tira
Reliance Retail's Tira introduces Puraveda, an Ayurvedic beauty brand blending ancient wisdom with modern science. The brand's initial collection features over 50 products across skincare, haircare, and body care, incorporating ingredient-led ranges like Dhara, Niyama, Sama, and Urja. Puraveda aims to offer cruelty-free, high-performance products, accessible through Tira stores and online, delivering holistic beauty experiences.
Crisis is good time to make changes in company: Nestle India CMD on lessons from Maggi fiasco
Nestle India's outgoing Chairman Suresh Narayanan reflects on the Maggi crisis, highlighting the importance of using crises as opportunities for change and innovation. He emphasized the need to understand consumer perceptions and proactively address environmental shifts.
India’s thirst for ‘no added sugar’ increases; Varun Beverages notes significant shift in consumption habits
Varun Beverages, PepsiCo's Indian bottler, reports a surge in demand for low sugar/no added sugar carbonated drinks, constituting 55% of their sales volume in H1 CY2025. While Indian sales volume declined, international markets, particularly South Africa, experienced growth. The company is expanding into snacks with Cheetos production in Morocco and investing in African territories to diversify revenue streams.
Shailesh Jejurikar: In a first, P&G sends Indian to corner office
Procter & Gamble has appointed Shailesh Jejurikar, an Indian-origin executive, as its new CEO, effective January. He will be the first Indian and Asian to lead the company. This transition occurs as P&G faces challenges like slowing sales, evolving trade policies, and global economic uncertainties, prompting restructuring efforts including job cuts and market exits.
Early rains hit FMCG summer sales; Q1 volume growth slows to 3.9%
Demand for daily necessities experienced a slowdown, with volume growth dropping to 3.9% in the June quarter due to early rainfall affecting beverage and summer product sales. Rural markets saw a significant decrease in growth, while urban areas maintained a steady pace. Companies anticipate gradual improvement in upcoming quarters, driven by easing inflation and favorable monsoon.
