FMCG stares at low growth of 9-10% in 2019 as rural demand loses steam

As the fast-moving consumer goods sector is expected to see only 9-10 percent growth in 2019 as households continue to squeeze spending and rural demand is losing steam on the back of falling rural income, industry players are now expecting a turnaround next year.

According to market research agency Nielsen's third quarter numbers, rural growth has plunged to a low 5 percent from a high 20 percent in the corresponding quarter. This has for the first time in seven years, rural growth has fallen below urban levels.

In a sectoral report on Wednesday, the agency lowered its growth forecast for