Consumer Market

Festive boost fizzles amid weak QSR demand; Elara backs Jubilant FoodWorks

Based on channel checks, Elara Capital analysts said the QSR universe is seeing soft demand trends in the current quarter, even after recent GST rate cuts.

India among most optimistic consumer markets despite uncertainties: BCG

Consumer sentiment in India has shown steady momentum over the year aided by robust GDP growth and the country continues to be one of the most optimistic markets with 61 per cent of consumers expecting continuous good times, according to global consulting firm BCG. Indian consumers are also unfazed by ongoing geopolitical conflicts as only 17 per cent net consumers believe that recent global conflicts or political events will slow down the country's growth, 2nd lowest after China. In contrast, this number is over 60 per cent for consumers in the UK, France and Germany, BCG said in its latest 'Global Consumer Radar' report. The BCG report covered developed countries France, Germany, UK, US, Japan and developing nations Mexico, Brazil, India and China. As per the report, 61 per cent of Indian consumers expect continuous good times versus 34 per cent who expect widespread unemployment or depression, implying a net optimism of 27 per cent. This is second only to China and far above the

Retail price on all pan masala packs as new metrology rules take effect

The Department of Consumer Affairs has mandated that all pan masala packages, irrespective of size or weight, must display the Retail Sale Price (RSP) and other mandatory declarations under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011. The amendment, notified through GSR 881(E), will come into force on February 1, 2026, an official statement said. From that date, all manufacturers, packers and importers of pan masala must ensure full compliance. The amendment removes the earlier exemption that allowed small packs of 10 grams or less to avoid certain declarations. Now, even these smaller packs must print the Retail Sale Price on their labels and display all declarations required under the 2011 rules. The previous proviso under Rule 26(a) has been withdrawn and replaced with a new proviso specific to pan masala. The department said the move strengthens consumer protection by ensuring transparent pricing information across all pack sizes. It is expected to prevent misleadin

How consumers perceive quality in an era where branding dominates

There was a time when brands used to proudly display quality marks like 'Agmark' and 'ISI' mark in their advertising and on their packaging

Consumer space hits four-year high with ₹21,200 crore in deals: Report

F&B and apparel sectors led deal activity, with private equity accounting for 99 per cent of total value in September, according to Equirus Capital's latest report

Sales growth, lower raw material costs to help Godrej Consumer stock

Godrej Consumer Products sees over 6% rise in stock following a strong Q1FY26, driven by double-digit revenue growth, high single-digit volume growth, and lower raw material costs

India's digital economy is primed for significant expansion: Bessemer

Titled "Click, Watch, Shop: The Consumer Opportunity in India," the report outlines how a convergence of technological advances, demographic shifts, and favorable policy developments

Erratic weather hurting Indian companies in biggest consumer market

A cooler-than-usual summer this year - followed by the earliest onset of rain since 2009 - has hurt companies selling everything from talcum powder to air conditioners

Indian consumer seeking attractive pricing: Trent Chairman Noel Tata

While addressing shareholders, he said, "We are growing the desirability of our offerings and building the density of our presence across key micro-markets to serve our customers better.''

Global chip design giant Qualcomm sees mid-tier AI mobiles in India in 2026

Value phones to follow in two years as consumer use cases expand

MNCs see higher returns in India, outpacing global growth trends: Report

Country's share in global growth 2-8 times its volume share: Report

From HUL to Dabur India, consumer firms offer incentives to distributors

This comes at a time when the market is pushing for growth in urban areas, which has been impacted, while rural sales have been on an upward swing for the past few months

Retail's next wave: Brands chase growth in India's emerging cities

Beyond technology leaders, retailers in apparel, beauty, fashion, and entertainment are targeting Tier-II and -III cities, extending their reach beyond metro hubs

Defensives are back, says Nuvama; bets on Pidilite, HUL, United Breweries

Among the key themes identified in the report is the growing importance of rural markets. Nuvama expects companies with a stronger rural exposure to outpace urban-focused peers in the next 2 quarters

Consumer goods sector faces a muted quarter as urban demand stays sluggish

Despite these challenges, revenues for tracked companies are projected to grow 6 per cent year-on-year, primarily driven by price increases, while volume growth will stay in the low single digits

Telcos call for prompt notification of guidelines to curb spam calls

Draft norms had called for tracing and taking action against spam sources

Indian Tea Association suggests quality grading system for packet tea

About 75 to 80 per cent of tea consumption has shifted to the packaged format

Wakefit records 50% growth in festive sale revenues across platforms

The sleep solutions firm said the trends indicate that consumer behaviour is shifting towards wellness, long-term value and preference for premium and functional products

UK consumer spending slowed before last week's budget, say retailers

The British Retail Consortium said spending in shops increased by 0.6 per cent in annual terms in October, below September's 2.0 per cent growth and the weakest rise since July

With crude palm oil rates on fire, consumer firms start raising prices

Crude palm oil, one of the main ingredients in the manufacture of some consumer goods, saw a price rise of 45.2 per cent in the last three months