ONCE THE BACKBONE of domestic consumption, India's middle class, which represents 31% of its population, is cutting back sharply on daily and discretionary expenditure. The warning bells were first sounded by Nestle India's chairman and MD Suresh Narayanan, a company best-known for its brand of noodles (Maggi), instant coffee (Nescafe) and chocolates (KitKat) among other products. Narayanan said that the 'middle segment' of consumers, a key category for most fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies, was shrinking, resulting in diminishing fortunes for these firms.
"Earlier when there was pressure on the middle class, it would last for a quarter or so. But now, it has lasted for two to three quarters, which is worrisome," Narayanan said, after the company reported its slowest quarterly growth for the July-September period in eight years.
This story is from the December 25, 2024 edition of Financial Express Lucknow.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 25, 2024 edition of Financial Express Lucknow.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A middle-class meltdown
Economic shift, stagnating real income post Covid weigh on spending on daily items
Shyam Benegal cremated with full state honours
Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal, a pioneer of India’s parallel cinema movement, was cremated with full state honors on Tuesday.
Champions Trophy: India to play Pakistan on Feb 23
INDIA WILL PLAY all their matches of the Champions Trophy in Dubai with the marquee clash against arch-rivals Pakistan scheduled on February 23, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Tuesday.
Net gains: Secured Virat, cautious Rohit gear up
INDIA GOT A chance to bat in the nets on fresher pitches on Tuesday, their last day of training as Christmas day is a rest day for them.
Local satellites push draws 30 aspirants
The applicants for INSPACe's latest effort in this regard include startups such as Google-backed Pixxel and Baring Private Equity-backed SatSure, as well as larger entities like Tata Group's Tata Advanced Systems.
₹2-cr fine on Deloitte Haskins for Zee audit
In September 2018, the chairman of ZEEL, who is also the promoter of Essel Group of Companies, issued a letter to Yes Bank, and committed ₹200 crore of fixed deposit (FD) of ZEEL as a guarantee for the loans given by the bank to group company Essel Green Mobility.
Labour-intensive exports: Gains likely to be short-lived
India's textile export growth is likely to be short-lived despite a recent surge, driven by factors such as a volatile rupee and instability in neighboring Bangladesh. While this presents opportunities, long-term gains require competitiveness and product diversification.
Economists for FTAs, land & labour reforms
RCEP was signed by the group of countries in November 2020 except India.
Uniting for greater good
COLLABORATIVE PHILANTHROPY IS not a new idea. History has many examples of communities coming together for the common good.
EAM in US to boost bilateral ties
IN WHAT IS expected to be the first high-level contact between the incoming Trump 2.0 administration and the Indian government in its third term, external affairs Minister S Jaishankar is likely to meet the new Trump team in the US.