Colgate-Palmolive (India) is preparing for a strategic expansion in one of its fastest-growing markets, with plans to introduce more brands from its global portfolio. Managing Director and CEO Prabha Narasimhan confirmed that the company is in active discussions with its U.S.-based parent to bring additional products to India beyond its current offerings under the Colgate and Palmolive brands.
Rather than expanding the Palmolive brand into new segments, Colgate-Palmolive India is aiming to introduce entirely new global brands that align with Indian consumer preferences. “We are very excited about what all we can do in India, both with our existing brands and portfolio, and with what we can bring in from the globe,” said Narasimhan. “We have tremendous support from our global counterparts in terms of their excitement about what we can achieve in India.”
India currently contributes 4–5% to Colgate-Palmolive’s global revenue. However, the company expects this figure to grow significantly, with India now listed among the five key global markets designated as future growth drivers. “India will add more middle-class people in the next few years than any other country in the world, and therefore represents a tremendous opportunity for us,” Narasimhan added.
Colgate-Palmolive India, which has operated in the country for 88 years, is also focusing on digital expansion. The company is strengthening its presence in the e-commerce segment with a range of online-exclusive, digital-first products, including the Colgate Purple and Max Fresh Sensories lines, as well as mouthwash sticks. “We have quite a few, and we have a pipeline of many more,” Narasimhan noted.
Despite the growing focus on online sales, the company remains committed to its traditional retail base. Local kirana stores continue to account for the bulk of sales, and Colgate-Palmolive India maintains long-standing relationships with its distributor network. “We have a tremendous relationship with our distributors, many of whom have been with us for decades,” Narasimhan said.
This reassurance comes in the wake of a recent call for a product boycott in Maharashtra by the All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF), citing concerns over pricing disparities in favour of quick commerce platforms. Addressing this, Narasimhan said there is “enough room” in the market for all channels and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to its distributor partnerships.
As Indian consumers increasingly prioritise health, sustainability, and ingredient transparency, Colgate-Palmolive India is positioning its science-backed products as competitive alternatives to ayurvedic and organic offerings. “Consumers look for benefits, not just buzzwords, and we’re here to deliver exactly that,” Narasimhan said.
The Palmolive brand, currently focused on premium body wash and hand wash products, continues to perform well in the personal care space, with reported growth of 20–30% CAGR. However, the company prefers to expand through new global brands rather than stretch Palmolive into unrelated categories.
With a population exceeding 1.4 billion and a rapidly expanding middle class, India remains a central focus of Colgate-Palmolive’s global strategy. The company is optimistic about its long-term growth prospects in the country.