Unilever, HUL Expect Strong Tailwinds From India’s Economic Momentum
Global consumer goods major Unilever and its Indian subsidiary Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) expect to be among the biggest beneficiaries of India’s strengthening economic outlook, backed by high GDP growth, a reduction in GST, and easing inflation. Speaking at the JP Morgan Fireside Chat, Unilever CEO Fernando Fernandez said India now presents “massive opportunities” across consumption categories.
GST and Tax Reductions Lift Demand Outlook
Fernandez noted that India’s consumption slowdown over the last three years was driven by sustained double-digit food inflation. However, recent government measures GST reductions, personal income tax cuts, and interest rate easing signal a clear intent to stimulate demand. “The GST reduction affects 40 per cent of our portfolio,” he said, adding that the broader economic impact will be “very significant”.
India’s GDP growth touched 8.2 per cent in the last quarter, supported by moderating food prices and improved consumption sentiment.
Leadership Overhaul to Accelerate Growth at HUL
Unilever has strengthened HUL’s leadership with the appointment of Priya Nair as CEO, alongside two new senior executives: the former CEO of Hero MotoCorp as CFO and the former CEO of Britannia as head of the Food business. Their mandate, Fernandez said, is to bring HUL’s volume growth closer to India’s GDP growth trajectory.
India’s Diverse Consumer Base Seen as Long-Term Catalyst
Highlighting India’s demographic diversity, Fernandez said the country includes 60 million consumers with per capita income comparable to France, another 700 million matching Southeast Asian markets, and 700 million aligned with African markets. “There is growth for everyone in India,” he said. “Our brands are perfectly suited to benefit from this expansion of wealth.”
India Remains One of Unilever’s Most Strategic Markets
HUL continues to rank as Unilever’s second-largest market by revenue, contributing 12–14 per cent of global sales. Fernandez reiterated his optimism, saying, “I’m super excited with India.”
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