Is India's Luggage Industry Set to Grow 5-7% in FY26 with New-Age Firms Capturing 25% of the Market?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India's luggage industry is valued at ₹18,000 crore.
- Projected growth of 5-7% in FY26.
- New-age manufacturers to capture 25% market share.
- Growth driven by e-commerce and changing consumer preferences.
- Operating margins expected to improve significantly this fiscal year.
New Delhi, Sep 1 (NationPress) The Indian luggage industry, valued at ₹18,000 crore, is anticipated to experience a growth of 5-7% in FY26, a noticeable increase from the 3% CAGR observed over the past three years, as indicated by a recent report. This impressive growth is attributed to the rising trends in both leisure and corporate travel, along with a surge in demand for hard luggage, according to Crisil Ratings.
Within this market, emerging manufacturers are set to capture 25% of the market share, achieving an approximate growth of 20%, surpassing larger, established brands that are expected to grow in single digits, the agency reports.
The organized segment, which holds a 45% market share, will be the primary driver of this fiscal growth. New-age manufacturers are expected to expand their share to 25% of the market due to their fast-moving, modern, and stylish designs that appeal to the aspirational consumer class, alongside the expansion of e-commerce.
Analysts further note that cost-effective private label production, managed overheads, and broader distribution through e-commerce platforms will benefit these new-age luggage makers.
“We project that new-age manufacturers will increase their market share to 25% in the organized segment this fiscal, doubling over the past two years, while legacy players continue to enhance their online presence to complement their offline market strategies,” stated Rahul Guha, Senior Director at Crisil Ratings.
This fiscal year, operating margins are expected to improve by 150-200 basis points to 9.5-10.0%, aided by the rationalization of raw material prices and the liquidation of lower-margin inventory held by legacy manufacturers.
Margins for larger players had dropped by more than a third year-on-year to 8% last fiscal due to considerable pricing pressures from newer competitors.
In addition to durability, urban consumers are increasingly prioritizing aesthetics, design, and functionality, while rural consumers are gradually transitioning from traditional soft luggage to more aspirational hard luggage, the report highlighted.