INDIA CONSUMER MARKET
AI narrative needs to change for India: K Balasubramanian, CEO, Citibank India
Long-term capital-gains tax is a big factor on the equity side. On direct investment, the trade agreements are going to be a big positive. Trade agreements create potentially important UK-India and EU-India corridors. We have been doing a lot of work identifying companies that could benefit and engage with clients. For Citi, that opportunity can flow through services and markets and potentially through investment-banking transactions as multinational companies raise capital in India, says K Balasubramanian, CEO, Citibank India.
Tata Consumer Q2 Results: Net profit rises 16% YoY to Rs 470 crore, revenue up 14%
Tata Consumer Products reported a 16% year-on-year profit increase to Rs 470 crore in Q2 FY27, with revenue rising 14% to Rs 5,661 crore. Strong Indian volumes, salt demand and growth businesses boosted performance, while EBITDA increased 18% to Rs 794 crore.
ET Product of the Year Awards 2026: Recognising Home & Kitchen Appliance of the Year innovation that makes everyday living better
The ET Product of the Year Awards 2026 honors cutting-edge home and kitchen appliances introduced or revamped in India. This category emphasizes products that improve daily living by focusing on energy efficiency, practicality, and advanced technology, catering to changing consumer demands. Receiving an award bolsters manufacturers' ability to stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Lahori Zeera maker to operate on an asset-light model, eyes next growth driver
Archian Foods is transitioning to an asset-light business model to drive its future growth. The company plans to collaborate with co-bottling partners without seeking further funding. Archian is also exploring a second hero product to complement its main offering, Lahori Zeera. The firm faces ongoing cost pressures while maintaining competitive pricing in the market. India's ready-to-drink beverage market is projected to significantly expand over the next decade.
India's daily multimodal AI use to nearly double to 43% by 2030: Ericsson report
Daily use of multimodal AI in India is expected to nearly double by 2030 from current levels. The report highlights a shift towards more frequent interactions with AI across various devices and locations. As usage increases, network traffic will become more upload-heavy, leading to demands for better network performance. Agentic AI is projected to rise significantly, with many users expecting enhancements in efficiency.
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Titan Company brand Zoya seeks to cash in on rising high-end jewellery demand, eyes ₹500 crore revenue by FY27
Titan Company's luxury brand Zoya aims to reach ₹500 crore in revenue by FY27 as India's luxury jewellery market expands. It is targeting high-net-worth individuals who seek exclusive and unique jewellery pieces over traditional options. Zoya specialises in coloured gemstones, offering intricate craftsmanship and a range of prices to appeal to affluent consumers.
A missed call for China is a loud wake-up call for desi companies
Indian smartphone brands Lava and Ai+ are gaining market share as Chinese rivals retreat amid soaring memory chip prices and shrinking demand. Domestic brands captured 7% of shipments in the September quarter, their highest share in nearly eight years. Government incentives and India's manufacturing expansion offer a boost, but technology, distribution, after-sales service and customer loyalty remain critical to sustained growth.
India’s consumption story holds appeal, but investors are spending less
India's consumer and retail sector saw a 58% decline in deal value during the September quarter. The first nine months of 2026 recorded 353 deals worth $3.26 billion, reflecting cautious investment strategies. Personal care brands attracted significant investment, indicating a preference for premium offerings. Public markets also contributed substantially, surpassing M&A and PE/VC deal values. However, future demand may fluctuate due to weather-related conditions affecting rural consumption.
L'Oreal bets on quick commerce, local products to accelerate India growth
L'Oreal is seeing substantial growth in its Indian market, supported by enhanced team capabilities and localization strategies. The company's consumer products division reported double-digit growth, particularly in haircare and skincare. L'Oreal is expanding its skincare brands CeraVe and La Roche-Posay into new cities to meet rising consumer demand. Additionally, L'Oreal has acquired a majority stake in Innovist to boost its digital-first marketing approach in India.
'Dialogue on with Ministry, OMCs': Federation of LPG Distributors distances itself from call for Delhi strikes
The Federation of LPG Distributors of India has opposed the proposed protests and indefinite strike in Delhi, urging distributors to maintain regular LPG supplies. The body said discussions with Oil Marketing Companies and the Ministry of Petroleum are ongoing, with assurances of an early resolution to distributors’ demands.
One Science Nutrition: Building a science-led approach to sports nutrition
One Science Nutrition was co-founded by Aman and Aniket Vachher to create credible sports nutrition products. The brand aims to cater to evolving consumer expectations around product quality and transparency. Their product range includes various supplements that support diverse fitness goals and health benefits. Future strategies involve leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance consumer experiences and product discovery. The founders emphasize maintaining core values while pursuing growth in the nutrition industry.
Indians develop a taste for dark chocolate as household demand jumps 45%
Households in India are increasingly purchasing dark chocolate, with a significant rise in demand over recent years. Urban consumers account for the majority of dark chocolate purchases, driven by rising incomes and health awareness. The growth is supported by trends in quick-commerce, making premium products more accessible. Despite its growth, dark chocolate remains a small segment in India's larger confectionery market.
Jio IPO becomes first public issue globally to cross 1 crore applications; record puts spotlight on depth of India’s retail investor base
Jio Platforms has achieved a remarkable milestone, garnering over one crore applications for its upcoming initial public offering. This surge signifies a burgeoning interest from India's retail investors in technology sectors. With the IPO set to debut on October 28, maintaining this enthusiasm is crucial. The communication strategies employed mirror those found in consumer marketing, urging potential investors to evaluate their financial objectives carefully before engaging with the IPO.
‘Brands need to be loved by humans and read by agents’: BCG’s Lauren Wiener on AI’s impact on marketing
The growing influence of AI and LLMs on purchase decisions is significant across various consumer touchpoints. Brands are now required to optimize content for both human and AI consumption to compete effectively. Marketing leaders are rethinking traditional media-budget allocation strategies in response to these changes. Personalisation and an integrated approach to agentic marketing are emerging as critical priorities for brands moving forward.
India smartphone shipments fall to decadal low as prices squeeze demand
India's smartphone market experienced significant declines in shipments during the July-September 2026 quarter. Shipments fell by 20% year-on-year, marking the lowest levels in a decade. Demand for smartphones priced under Rs 20,000 saw a drastic 47% decline due to rising prices. Major brands such as Samsung and OPPO adapted by optimizing their product offerings to improve market performance.
Smartphone shipments fall 20% YoY in Q3 as price hikes mute demand
In the third quarter of this year, India saw a staggering 20% drop in smartphone shipments, largely due to rising memory costs impacting overall device pricing and consumer desire. Notably, the mass-market segment, particularly phones under Rs 20,000, witnessed a 47% decline. The sluggish demand was evident during the festive sales, with ecommerce platforms recording lower figures.
A Japanese giant is quietly taking a bigger shelf in India’s wardrobes
Uniqlo India's revenue increased by 44% to Rs 1,724 crore in the last financial year. The brand's focus on everyday essentials contrasts with fashion-led competitors like Zara and H&M. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing quality and versatility rather than simply seeking trendy items. A report indicates that many people make fashion purchases based on necessity rather than impulse.
India's a call-out market, but there's room to grow: Nestle
Nestle SA reports that 37% of urban households in India purchase Maggi noodles monthly. The instant noodles segment is outpacing overall food sector growth in the country. Nestle is investing in its Maggi and KitKat brands as they capture consumer preferences for convenience and diversity. Despite a revenue increase, food inflation remains a significant concern for the company. Regulatory scrutiny on Nestle India's labeling practices has also emerged recently.
Sony India TV, audio sales stay flat in FY26 despite GST boost
Overall revenue from operations grew a marginal 0.9% to ₹7,918 crore, while net profit rose 19% to ₹187 crore. The company's other businesses, comprising gaming consoles and digital cameras, recorded modest growth, with revenue increasing to ₹1,389 crore from ₹1,322 crore in FY25.
Nestle sees strong growth potential for Maggi noodles in India; eyes expansion in Europe, Americas
The company, which sells noodles under the Maggi brand in India and other Asian markets, also has ambitious plans to expand the category in Europe and the Americas, its top leadership said during the earnings call for the September quarter of 2026.
Noida customer spends Rs 11,072 on Singhara Poori, Mumbai guy gave Rs 9,870 for coffee rasgulla: Swiggy tells what India ordered on Navratri & Durga Puja
During the festive seasons of Navratri and Durga Puja, India saw a notable rise in the popularity of fasting meals and traditional sweets. Swiggy reported that dishes made with sabudana and vrat thalis were top picks among customers. Rasgulla stood out as the most ordered sweet, with orders significantly up from last year. This surge reflects the importance of food delivery services in honoring cultural festivities.
Building India’s future food system
The future of India’s food system must be examined through three interconnected pillars: availability, accessibility, and affordability.
‘Z’ sharpens its content strategy with a strong slate of non-fiction offerings across languages
Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. is set to enhance its non-fiction programming strategy significantly. The company aims to broaden its innovative formats while introducing flagship franchises in various languages. Upcoming offerings include cookery shows and celebrity talk shows hosted by popular figures. Additionally, the company will continue its successful formats that resonate with audiences across multiple markets. This move is designed to engage viewers actively and create memorable entertainment experiences.
Technology overtakes brand in influencing India’s car-buying decisions: Report
Technology and advanced features have outpaced brand loyalty in influencing car purchases among Indian consumers. A recent Bain & Co survey reveals that 68% of premium car buyers prefer established brands. Furthermore, around 80% of Indian buyers utilize AI during their car purchase journey. The survey also found a significant openness towards electric vehicles among consumers, particularly among younger generations.
India could be among top 5 global markets for Glenfiddich maker as whisky drinkers trade up
India is projected to enter the top five global markets for William Grant & Sons in the coming years. The free trade agreement with the UK, effective since July, is anticipated to enhance demand significantly. Premium and luxury spirit consumption is increasing, particularly for single malts and blended whiskies. The company aims to strengthen its position in these growing segments, especially by collaborating with designers for gifting.
Put your smartphone in the spotlight at the ET Product of the Year Awards 2026
The ET Product of the Year Awards 2026 celebrate India's top smartphone brands that skillfully convert features into commercial success. Evaluating factors such as sales figures, consumer feedback, and overall market influence, the awards prioritize performance rather than mere specifications. Companies are invited to nominate phones released from January 2025 through September 2026 for accolades.
FMCG brands turn up the volume on ads as costs and scrutiny rise
Multiple packaged goods companies are increasing their advertising expenditures to maintain consumer demand amid rising inflation. Nestle India reported a significant rise in ad spending during the September quarter to enhance brand trust. Regulatory scrutiny from the FSSAI has prompted brands to emphasize safety and integrity in their advertising. Influencer-led marketing efforts are expected to grow significantly during the upcoming festive season.
India-New Zealand FTA to kick in October 20, opening market opportunities for exporters
The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement will come into effect on October 20, enhancing trade for both nations. New Zealand expects increased demand for its agricultural products, particularly kiwifruit, honey, and apples, in India. The agreement includes provisions to ensure tariff-free access for Indian goods in New Zealand's market. Both countries aim to strengthen economic ties and improve productivity in agricultural sectors.
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