FMCG companies saw an improvement in demand in December 2025, supported by a reduction in GST, price relief, and higher winter-led consumption. Sales of products from Hindustan Unilever, Nestle, ITC and Godrej showed recovery, as promotional schemes and lower prices encouraged consumer purchases.
After several months of subdued activity, the FMCG market showed signs of revival in December. The impact of GST cuts and price reductions was visible at the retail level, translating into higher consumer offtake and improved company performance. According to a report by Antique Stock Broking, most FMCG companies benefited from the improvement during the month.
Winter conditions supported demand across multiple FMCG categories. Emami recorded higher sales of its winter-focused products, while lower soap prices helped revive demand in that segment. The decline in Nestle’s nutrition portfolio appeared to stabilise. Personal care categories saw marginal improvement, while food products continued to see sustained demand, benefiting Nestle and ITC. Godrej Consumer Products reported better sales in peri-urban areas.
Hindustan Unilever’s detergent portfolio recorded healthy sales in December, with the Rs 99 pack of Surf Excel Easy Wash drawing consumer traction. However, sales of shampoos and facewash products remained relatively slower. Nestle distributors indicated that the company met most of its targets during the period. Demand for chocolates, beverages and dairy products remained steady, resulting in lower inventory levels.
ITC’s cigarette business benefited from seasonal demand, with sales remaining firm during the winter months. Its FMCG segment also saw momentum in food products. Dabur reported a mixed performance, with honey and personal care products performing better, while winter products such as Chyawanprash fell short of expectations. Hair oil demand in rural markets remained ber than in urban areas.
Godrej Consumer Products saw higher sales of household insecticides due to increased mosquito activity. Liquid vaporisers and Easy detergent benefited from seasonal demand. Soap sales improved following the GST reduction. For Colgate India, performance remained uneven, with online channels and large-format stores reporting steady sales, while general trade continued to face pressure. Price reductions and improved schemes are expected to aid recovery.
Among other FMCG players, Marico recorded steady demand for its Saffola oats and soya-based products. Emami’s Boroplus maintained b traction during winter. Jyothy Labs met its primary sales targets, though secondary sales remained weak. The impact of price hikes was visible in select products, while the new More Light bar received a favourable consumer response.
DMart has increased its focus on private label brands, with a higher presence of its own products across personal care and daily essentials in stores. The strategy is expected to support both sales and margins.
According to Antique Stock Broking, momentum in the FMCG sector was sustained in December, driven by GST cuts, price relief and seasonal demand. The brokerage expressed the highest confidence in Godrej Consumer Products, Marico and Bajaj Consumer Care.
