INDIA CONSUMER DEMAND

Gold smuggling jumps to 50 tonnes as 15% import duty widens gap for unofficial supply

Gold smuggling in India is estimated to have surged to 50 tonnes in the September quarter from three tonnes a year earlier after import duty rose to 15% from 6%, according to the World Gold Council. Meanwhile, demand remained 29% lower year-on-year as record-high prices weighed on purchases.

India’s illegal gold imports surge 1,500% after tax hike

India's illegal gold imports surged dramatically in the third quarter of 2023, reaching 50 metric tons. This rise is attributed to the government's recent duty hike on gold and silver imports. The increase in informal shipments is linked to previous tax increases that incentivized smuggling and cash sales. Gold demand typically rises during major festivals, though year-on-year metrics indicate a decline.

Dip in gold price puts the sparkle back into festive and wedding buying, jewellers see 10-12% rise in Dhanteras sales

Gold prices have dropped significantly, encouraging consumers to return to jewellery stores for upcoming purchases. The correction in gold prices has led to increased footfalls and advance bookings for weddings. Jewellers expect a rise in sales volume on Dhanteras, which is an auspicious buying day. Consumers are opting for lightweight jewellery and lower-karat gold to manage budget constraints.

Indians refuse to cash in on gold in their lockers hoping for a better price

India’s gold demand is expected to fall to a six-year low of around 650 tonnes in 2026 as record prices, rising living costs and a weak monsoon weigh on jewellery purchases and investment, according to the World Gold Council (WGC).

Matcha moment: A Japanese tea brews up a $96 million flavour in India

Matcha tea market India: The country's matcha market is set to expand, with projected revenue growth from $45.7 million in 2025 to $96.4 million by 2033. Café chains like Tata Starbucks are already seeing increased sales from matcha products, catering to evolving consumer preferences. Instagram and social media have played a significant role in the rising popularity of matcha drinks and recipes.

India's 2026 gold demand seen falling to six-year low on price rise: World Gold Council

India's gold demand is expected to fall to a six-year low of around 650 tonnes in 2026 as record-high prices, rising living costs and a weak monsoon weigh on jewellery purchases and investment demand, the World Gold Council (WGC) said.

Marico profit jumps 31%, flags rising input costs amid West Asia woes

Marico has reported a 13% increase in consolidated revenue, driven by strong volume growth in India and international markets. The company highlighted challenges from rising input costs due to geopolitical tensions and adverse weather circumstances. Managing director Saugata Gupta expressed awareness of potential inflation effects, especially in rural areas. Marico aims for mid-20% EBITDA growth by FY27 and expects annual revenue to exceed ₹15,000 crore.

ITC Q2 net profit falls 20% as high taxes keep margins in check

ITC reported a 20% decline in standalone net profit for the September quarter despite a 45% increase in revenue. The rise in cigarette taxation significantly impacted profitability, forcing ITC to absorb part of the price hikes. Non-cigarette businesses showed strong growth, achieving the highest revenue growth in 14 quarters. Factors such as inflation and geopolitical tensions continue to affect the operating environment.

Zero-sugar drinks hit the sweet spot as sales double for PepsiCo and Coca-Cola in Sept qtr

During the July-September 2026 quarter, consumer demand for zero-sugar and low-sugar beverages significantly increased across India. PepsiCo reported that sales of its low-sugar drinks doubled, while Coca-Cola also experienced similar gains. Companies are prioritising the production of low-sugar beverages to meet the rising market demand.

Aditya Birla Lifestyle bets on festive demand

The company, which owns brands such as Louis Philippe, Van Heusen, Allen Solly and Peter England, reported flat like-for-like sales growth in September, against 5.3% for the second quarter of FY27. The slowdown comes just as the full impact of price increases begins to flow through in the December quarter, making consumer acceptance and discounting critical to sustaining growth.

Refurbished iPhones gain popularity in India as new smartphone prices rise; iPhone 13, 14 and 15 lead demand

India's refurbished smartphone sector is booming as shoppers lean towards affordable options. With skyrocketing prices on new models, older favorites like the iPhone are gaining traction. Retailers such as ControlZ and Cashify are witnessing a sales surge, notably among premium devices. This upward trend is observable in both urban hubs and smaller towns, with trade-in values on the rise.

Soaring tech costs push festive shoppers towards EMIs

At Bengaluru-based Pai International Electronics, which operates across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, 70-80% of smartphone sales during the festive season were financed through EMIs, up from 40-50% last year, said director Rahul Pai. At Vijay Sales, which operates 181 stores nationwide, EMIs accounted for about 70-75% of festive-season sales.

McDonald’s supersizes its north and east India bet to $80 million, even as rising costs squeeze profit

McDonald's India is increasing its investment to approximately $80 million for growth and digitisation over the next two years. Surge in consumer demand and increased competition is prompting expansion. Despite the challenging environment due to inflation, the company aims for profitability while maintaining value for customers. McDonald's India's north and east division expects to achieve revenues of ₹2,000 crore by FY27.

India’s consumers are back, its stocks aren’t: Srinivasan Sivabalan

Amid the vibrant festive season in India, consumer demand is soaring, prompting businesses to boost sales and raise prices accordingly. However, rising costs are pressuring profit margins, causing a decline in investor confidence. The stock market struggles to reflect the upbeat consumer activity, signaling a potential need for a resolution to the Iran war and governmental intervention to promote stability.

Ferrero sees India entering top 10 global markets, bets on premiumisation, ramps up product launches

Ferrero sees India as a key market, expecting its growth in the premium chocolate segment. The company aims for sustainable growth, expanding its brand portfolio, strengthening distribution and building a sustainable growth trajectory. The company plans to enhance its presence in smaller cities, through wider retail distribution and e-commerce platforms. They are tapping into the Indian traditions and consumer aspirations through targeted campaigns.

Reliance Retail Q2 profit takes a hit on Qcomm push

Reliance Retail Ventures reported a significant drop in net profit, down 24.5% year-on-year to ₹2,619 crore in the last quarter. Despite this, revenue improved by 5.8% to ₹80,220 crore, largely driven by a surge in grocery sales. The company's profitability was affected by strategic investments and evolving festive season patterns, alongside rising finance costs stemming from increased borrowing and interest rates. Focus remains on improving transactions and business model adaptation.

Gen Z brands are breaching the last citadel of legacy consumer firms

India's Gen Z and D2C brands are challenging FMCG giants like Hindustan Unilever, ITC and Marico by expanding into kirana stores. New-age brands captured 21.7% of India's kirana market in H1 FY27, up from 14.8% a year earlier. As digital-first brands breach traditional distribution networks, legacy FMCG companies face growing competition for retail shelf space and consumer loyalty nationwide.

Executive search defies broader job market uncertainty

India's executive search firms are reporting strong growth despite layoffs, AI-driven disruptions and global economic uncertainty. Leading firms have recorded business growth of 15-25% in the first half of the financial year, driven by demand for senior leaders across manufacturing, infrastructure, power, energy and global capability centres (GCCs). Companies are investing in experienced executives who can manage large projects, navigate technological change and improve business performance.

Global FMCG giants find an Indian answer to their Western slowdown

Global consumer giants including PepsiCo, Nestle, Unilever, Pernod Ricard and Coca-Cola are increasingly looking to India for growth as demand slows in the US and Europe. Companies are betting on premiumisation, wider distribution and fast-growing channels such as ecommerce and quick commerce, with several reporting stronger momentum in India than in developed markets.

Festive demand, capex to fuel India’s industrial growth in H2 FY27 despite risks: Report

Festive demand and sustained public capital expenditure are expected to support India's industrial activity in the second half of FY27, although unfavourable base effects, weak monsoon conditions and higher input costs could weigh on production, according to a report by Union Bank of India.

HUL sales rise 15% to hit 14-quarter high, but inflation clouds demand outlook

Hindustan Unilever posted a turnover of ₹18,071 crore for the September quarter, highlighting a 15% rise. Even with a price increase of 7.5%, the company's volume growth remained stable at 7%. Homecare emerged as the standout performer, boasting a robust 22% sales growth. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation climbed to ₹4,089 crore, an 8% boost. However, ongoing inflation and wage issues in rural sectors pose significant challenges.

India jewellers hold off gold buying, betting prices will drop

Indian jewellers are delaying gold purchases ahead of the festive season, betting that prices will fall further after dropping below $4,000 an ounce. MMTC-PAMP India says large jewellery chains remain cautious, while higher import duties, subdued rural demand and tighter import rules are expected to weigh on gold demand and imports during the October-December quarter.

‘India to sell more dishwashers than the world in 5 years’: Goyal at Netherlands Business Forum