In May 2025, the cost of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian home-cooked thalis saw a 6% year-on-year decline, primarily due to lower vegetable prices. While vegetarian thali costs remained stable month-on-month, non-vegetarian thalis became cheaper by 2% because of falling broiler prices. However, increased vegetable oil and LPG prices partially offset the overall decrease in thali costs.
Food delivery volumes on June 3 (IPL 2025 Finals) rose by 10 to 15 per cent compared to the previous weekend, with platforms witnessing peak demand during the evening match hours. Offline formats also saw strong footfalls and orders across metro and non-metro cities.
Hell Energy drink has seen India emerge as its top export market, surpassing Romania, though Hungary remains the leader. Fueled by India's youth demographic, the brand aims to increase local sourcing to 50% by 2027, enhancing cost advantages.
Quick commerce platforms in India are transforming the retail landscape, allowing smaller brands like Bindu Fizz to compete with established giants by offering increased visibility and faster scaling. Despite high listing fees and margin pressures, these platforms provide access to new markets and valuable consumer insights.
Bisleri International partners with Apparel Group to manufacture, market, and distribute its beverage portfolio in the Middle East and Africa, starting with a UAE launch in 2025. This collaboration leverages Bisleri's brand recognition and Apparel Group's retail expertise to expand into high-growth markets. The partnership aims to redefine beverage retail and enhance consumer experiences in the region.
Anand Rathi remains bullish on the FMCG sector, citing rural recovery, softening input costs, and strong FY26 guidance. Top picks include HUL, Godrej Consumer, Emami, Zydus Wellness, and Mrs Bector Food. United Breweries leads discretionary bets. The brokerage expects a 9% revenue and 14% earnings CAGR over FY25–27.
Tilaknagar Industries, known for Mansion House brandy, is leading the acquisition race for Pernod Ricard's Imperial Blue whisky, potentially the largest liquor industry M&A since 2013. Valued at up to $600 mn, the deal would significantly expand Tilaknagar's whisky portfolio, though Inbrew Beverages remains a contender. Pernod Ricard aims to focus on its premium brands after the sale.
Suresh Narayanan highlighted India's market dynamics as a mix of inflationary pressures and opportunities in his farewell letter. Despite a profit dip due to commodity costs, domestic sales reached a record high. The company invested significantly in capacity building and expanded its retail presence, with brands like Maggi and Nescafe driving growth over the past decade.
Nestle India's permanent workforce saw a 3.8% decrease in FY25, despite increased capital expenditure and investments in new capabilities. While on-roll employees totaled 8,419, the median employee remuneration rose by 4.9%. Manish Tiwary was appointed as Managing Director, receiving a substantial remuneration package, while outgoing Chairman Suresh Narayanan's total compensation reached Rs 23.47 crore.
India's palm oil imports soared to a six-month peak in May, driven by depleted inventories and attractive pricing compared to soy and sunflower oils. Refiners ramped up purchases, potentially bolstering Malaysian palm oil prices and U.S. soy oil futures.
As the food delivery market cools, Swiggy is turning to quick meals, affordable combos, and deeper city penetration to stoke demand. In an exclusive interview with ET, Swiggy’s food marketplace CEO Rohit Kapoor said growth will come from low-frequency users and category innovation — not from city expansion.
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