Hungering for growth
Fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry has a long history. However, the Indian FMCG industry began to take shape only during the last fifty-odd years. Todate, the Indian FMCG industry continues to suffer from a definitional dilemma. In fact, the industry is yet to crystallise in terms of definition and market size, among others.

Editorial -- Tap the potential
The FMCG sector is a cornerstone of the Indian economy. This sector can drive growth, enhance quality of life, create jobs and support penetration of technology.

The FMCG advertising matrix
The FMCG industry is a low-margin business. Volumes hold the key to success in this industry. That is why the industry places so much emphasis on marketing. FMCG majors fight out in the marketplace to reach out to the masses and compete with brands in similar product categories.

PMCG -- good growth potential
The Indian packaged mass consumption goods (PMCG) sector is poised for significant growth. Past evidence suggests that this growth will be beneficial for all its stakeholders -- consumers, manufacturers, retailers and the exchequer.

Whipping up an FMCG excitement
Fast moving consumer goods companies need to rationalise costs, invest in brand-building and offer more value-added products. That is the recipe for success in the competitive domestic FMCG industry.

"Indian FMCG landscape will be more MNC-oriented"
Small-scale players will still remain and they are not going to vanish overnight. Ten years from now, they will all be there. But, the Indian FMCG landscape will be more MNC-oriented, especially in personal care.

Gungho on rural marketing
Rural marketing has become the latest marketing mantra of most FMCG majors. True, rural India is vast with unlimited opportunities. All waiting to be tapped by FMCGs. Not surprising that the Indian FMCG sector is busy putting in place a parallel rural marketing strategy.

"FMCG companies need to tap the large unbranded segment for growth"
The government, on its part, will have to seriously consider tax issues. Indian consumers are value-conscious and any big difference in tax levels of branded and unbranded segments will prompt them to switch to the unbranded market.