Description
India’s rural FMCG market, valued at $23 billion, is brimming with untapped potential. With 65% of India’s population living in rural areas, the rural FMCG sector is poised for explosive growth, driven by increasing demand and shifting consumer behavior. Yet, businesses face significant logistical and infrastructural hurdles that can impede effectivedistribution. Read our story on pages 24-26 to discover why companies seeking to thrive in this space must innovate their product offerings, partner with local stakeholders, and leverage digital solutions to overcome the challenges and capture market share in this evolving landscape.
Arambagh’s Foodmart, West Bengal’s largest retail chain began as a modest poultry venture in 2000 and has grown into a formidable retail network with 87 stores across 12 cities and annual revenues nearing Rs. 150 crore. In our cover story in this issue, on pages 28-37, we take a deep dive into how Arambagh’s Foodmart has rewritten the rulebook for regional retail by blending local insights with scalable innovation to meet the everyday needs of its growing customer base. It’s a case study in how legacy meets agility— and wins.
Speaking of agility, nowhere is that more evident than in India’s booming beverage market, which hits full throttle every May as the mercury climbs.But this isn’t just about thirst—it’s about transformation. From Reliance’s Rs. 10 bottled water disrupting price dynamics to sugar-free seltzers finding favor among millennials, the beverage aisle is now a battleground of health, innovation, and cultural shifts. On pages 50-64, we unpack how quick commerce, functional hydration, and even regional flavor nostalgia are shaping what India reaches for when it’s time for a drink.
And as temperatures rise, so do cravings—for something sweet. But today’s desserts are not just indulgences; they are expressions of values. Sustainability, health, and tech-driven creativity are converging to redefine how we treat ourselves. Turn to pages 46-48 for an exploration of the new wave of desserts: gelato taking the lead, low-sugar becoming the norm, and yes, even 3D-printed pastries making their debut. It’s a world where tradition meets disruption—on a plate.
