Fmcg Firms

Rural demand, premium products and quick commerce drove Q1 growth, but higher input costs and food inflation could test consumer recovery

The company expects strong momentum through the rest of FY27 after its best domestic volume growth in 20 quarters, aided by easing input costs and improving monsoon conditions.

The MTR and Eastern spices maker is looking to return to double-digit growth after listing, backed by acquisitions and a push into convenience foods and digital channels.

As rivals snap up digital-first personal care brands, ITC is moving cautiously—focusing on trust-led categories and long-term value over rapid acquisitions, said Sameer Satpathy, head, personal care business.

As India's consumer landscape rapidly changes, traditional business moats are weakening with new D2C brands taking fresh approaches to market. Product differentiation, targeted marketing, and online distribution are key strategies for these new entrants.

India’s top consumer plays are chasing the same milestone, but the market may not reward them the same way.

In the latest edition of Mint's Q4FY25 earnings coverage, we analyse sectoral performances. We begin with the FMCG sector, which continues to navigate the challenges of a persistent consumption slowdown but holds an unexpected card.

Analysts expect HUL to post among the weakest volume growth in the sector once again. Rural recovery is slow, input costs remain high, and consumer downtrading is visible in smaller packs.

ITC’s consumer businesses are struggling. Moreover, it has its own frozen meats and seafood brand, ITC Master Chef. It also runs a chain of delivery-first North Indian restaurants called Master Chef Creations. So what was its rationale for acquiring Meatigo and Prasuma?