Is India a Significant Growth Market for Global Consumer Giants?
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Synopsis
With the rapid expansion of e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms, India is positioning itself as a lucrative market for international consumer goods companies. Major players like Unilever and L’Oreal are experiencing substantial growth, highlighting India's potential on the global consumer stage. Discover how these brands are capitalizing on this dynamic market.
Key Takeaways
- India's digital retail ecosystem is rapidly evolving.
- Global brands are significantly increasing their online sales in India.
- Quick-commerce is reshaping market access for international companies.
- Unilever and L’Oreal are leading examples of success in this market.
- The future of consumer goods in India looks promising.
New Delhi, Oct 26 (NationPress) India is rapidly emerging as a significant growth market for global consumer goods brands, fueled by the swift rise of e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms. The country's evolving digital retail landscape is facilitating quicker market entry and enhancing online sales, positioning India as a standout market for international consumer labels.
Leading global consumer goods companies such as Unilever and L’Oreal have reported a remarkable increase in online sales during the September quarter, propelled by the rapid growth of quick-commerce and digital retail avenues.
The CEO of French beauty powerhouse L’Oreal, Nicolas Hieronimus, stated that India has transformed into a “game changer” for the brand, thanks to the surge of quick-commerce and traditional e-commerce channels that enable deeper market access.
“Just ten days ago, I was in India, where it’s evidently a game changer for us. Quick commerce and traditional platforms now allow us to connect with consumers nationwide, a feat we were unable to achieve before,” Hieronimus expressed during the company's earnings call.
British consumer goods titan Unilever also emphasized India's substantial role in its digital expansion.
CEO Fernando Fernandez revealed that digital commerce now constitutes 17 percent of Unilever’s overall revenue.
“We’re experiencing growth with Amazon at 15 percent, Walmart.com at 25 percent, Flipkart in India at 30 percent, and TikTok globally at 70 percent,” he stated.
Unilever, which operates in India through its subsidiary Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), indicated that its product lineup is now more strategically positioned for growth following decisions to divest lower-value brands and acquire premium ones.
The company noted that its “digitally native brands” are thriving, especially in markets like India and China.
Fernandez further added that Unilever’s quick-commerce operations in India have more than doubled this year.
“We believe our product portfolios are well-aligned, and our capabilities in this area are substantial,” he expressed, conveying optimism about the company's future digital growth in India.
Point of View
India's emergence as a key player in the global consumer goods market is a testament to its evolving digital landscape. The growth of e-commerce and quick-commerce is not only transforming the retail sector but also enhancing consumer accessibility. This trend indicates a bright future for both domestic and international brands in India.
NationPress
27/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors are driving India's growth as a market for consumer goods?
The rapid rise of e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms is significantly boosting market penetration and online sales in India.
How are major companies like Unilever and L’Oreal performing in India?
Both Unilever and L’Oreal have reported substantial increases in online sales, highlighting India's importance in their global strategies.
What percentage of Unilever's revenue comes from digital commerce?
Digital commerce now accounts for 17 percent of Unilever's total revenue.
How has quick-commerce impacted the strategies of these companies?
Quick-commerce has allowed companies to reach consumers across India more effectively, leading to significant growth in their operations.
What is the outlook for the consumer goods market in India?
The outlook remains optimistic, with companies like Unilever expressing confidence in their growth potential in the digital space.
