PepsiCo India forecasts steady festive snack growth as new products roll out

PepsiCo India expects its food business to replicate the festive-season growth seen last year, according to chief marketing officer Saakshi Verma Menon. The outlook rests on a slate of new snack products, "better-for-you" options and premium offerings designed for varied consumer tastes. To support convenience-driven shoppers, the company has expanded its ready-to-eat portfolio on e-commerce sites.

Menon highlighted that research and development teams are actively creating products that suit evolving Indian flavor preferences and different consumption occasions. In parallel, SLMG Beverages, India's top Coca-Cola bottler, disclosed high double-digit sales gains and a surge in Diwali gift-pack orders, though it remains cautious about pricing amid rising sugar and packaging costs. Both firms are navigating broader FMCG margin pressures caused by elevated commodity prices, with the sector likely to consider modest price hikes after the holiday period.