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