Urban consumers are increasingly turning to unbranded FMCG products, with digital advertising reshaping perceptions, according to Kantar’s latest report. While global players like Procter & Gamble are scaling back, announcing 7,000 job cuts due to tariff and cost pressures, India’s domestic market is showing renewed promise.
With income-tax relief, lower interest rates, and a strong monsoon on the horizon, demand across FMCG, durables, and automotive sectors is expected to rise. Marico’s CEO remains cautious on the quick commerce boom, predicting it will thrive in top metros but won't replace traditional channels.
Reliance Retail and Shein are also expanding their vision, aiming to export India-made apparel globally within a year, a move that underscores confidence in local manufacturing.
Meanwhile, quick commerce’s rapid growth is facing headwinds, with concerns around job security and profitability. As the landscape evolves, adaptability and a balanced channel mix remain key for long-term success
Click on the headings below for insights on how these trends are shaping India’s retail landscape…
1. Unbranded FMCG driving consumption in urban areas, says Kantar report
Urban consumption of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) in FY25 was driven by unbranded products, with rising digital advertising shifting perceptions for urban consumers, market researcher Kantar said in its FMCG Pulse Report.
2. FMCG Giant P&G to Cut 7,000 Jobs in Two Years Amid Trump Tariff Woes
American consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble Co (P&G) has announced plans to cut about 7,000 jobs over the next two years as part of a restructuring effort, amid lagging consumer demand and high costs linked to tariffs imposed by former US President Donald Trump.
3. Marico CEO on why the FMCG giant won’t bet blind on D2C buyouts or quick commerce hype
Quick commerce will do well in the top eight to 10 cities in terms of long-term profitability, but India is a complex market and all channels will coexist; no channel will completely die as seen in some Western markets. The channel is having explosive growth, but manufacturers need to get the right portfolio and brand mix to succeed, said Marico MD and CEO Saugata Gupta.
4. From showrooms to shelves, India likely to witness consumption uptick
India’s consumption engine is expected to rev up in the coming months, with FMCG, consumer durables and automotive sectors poised for higher demand. A combination of factors, the income-tax relief, a cumulative 100-basis-point rate cut by the RBI since the start of 2025, and expectations of a strong monsoon, is likely to lift sentiment across urban and rural markets.
5. Reliance Retail, Shein to sell India-made clothes abroad within a year: Report
Partners Reliance Retail and Shein are planning to expand their Indian supplier base and start overseas sales of India-made Shein-branded clothes. This is likely to take place within 6-12 months time.
6. Structural cracks appear to complicate qcomm's quick surge in India
India's quick commerce market is expected to grow to Rs 1.5-1.7 lakh crore by 2027, driven largely by existing trade channels. While it creates significant employment, most jobs are gig roles with limited security. Pricing and adoption across categories present ongoing challenges for the sector's future.
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