FMCG SECTOR- 2024 – ECONOMY

NEWS: Year end review of FMCG sector in India in 2024.

 

Urban and Rural Demand Trends in 2025

  • Urban Recovery:
    • FMCG companies are optimistic about a recovery in urban demand by the June quarter of 2025, despite a sluggish start in the March quarter.
    • Urban regions recorded 4.5% volume growth (August-October 2024) compared to 6.9% in 2023, with value growth at 6.4%.
  • Rural Demand:
    • Expected to be bolstered by factors like a good monsoon, healthy kharif and rabi crops, and increased rural incomes.
    • Rural demand continues to outperform urban markets, supported by government infrastructure spending.

Premiumisation and Value Growth

  • Premiumisation Trends:
    • Companies are leveraging premium product offerings to enhance value growth.
    • Rural consumers are shifting preferences towards branded personal care products, such as Dabur Amla Hair Oil and Gulabari Skin Care.

Strategies to Tap Rural Demand

  • Affordable Pack Sizes:
    • Companies are introducing smaller, affordable packs to cater to rural consumers.
  • Distribution Network Expansion:
    • Investments in enhancing distribution footprints in rural markets are underway to push demand growth.

Growth in E-commerce and Quick Commerce

  • Robust E-commerce Growth:
    • Quick commerce platforms are expected to drive significant growth in the next 2-3 years, with expansion into new cities.
    • Brands like Coca-Cola are leveraging AI tools (e.g., Coke Buddy) and aligning with quick commerce platforms to boost sales.

Resilience and Challenges in 2024

  • FMCG Industry Resilience:
    • Overcame inflation, supply chain disruptions, and maintained strong demand for health-focused and affordable products.
  • Inflationary Pressure:
    • Food inflation is expected to ease by the June quarter of 2025, potentially addressing recent challenges.

Infrastructure and Economic Growth Support

  • Capex in Infrastructure:
    • Increased government spending on infrastructure is expected to sustain rural growth trends.
  • Budget Expectations:
    • Proposals for stimulating consumption are anticipated, which could lead to sustained economic growth cycles.

Company-Specific Strategies and Initiatives

  • Dabur India:
    • Focus on premiumisation and rural market expansion with affordable pack sizes.
  • Coca-Cola:
    • Emphasis on Q-comm platforms, AI-powered tools, and expanding accessibility in rural areas.
  • Godrej Consumer Products Ltd:
    • Cautiously optimistic about 2025, focusing on market development and economic improvements.
  • Parle Products:
    • Betting on quick commerce growth and urban recovery.
  • Joy Personal Care:
    • Strengthening retail presence through direct distribution network expansion.

 

Key Growth Drivers for FMCG in 2025

  • Rural demand supported by agriculture and infrastructure spending.
  • Urban recovery, driven by easing inflation and premiumisation.
  • E-commerce and quick commerce adoption.

Source: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/fmcg-industry-banking-on-urban-demand-recovery-premiumisation/article69054067.ece