Unilever sees India as the template for future emerging-market growth

Speaking at the Barclays Global Consumer Staples Conference, Unilever's chief executive described India as the blueprint for the company's emerging-market strategy, projecting it to be the sole source of exponential growth in the fast-moving consumer goods sector over the next five years. Emerging markets already contribute roughly 62% of Unilever's total sales, driven by factors such as population growth, urbanisation, rising wealth and increased female labour participation.

Hindustan Unilever managing director Priya Nair identified five structural changes—Gen Z expansion, more women working, rapid digitisation, improved roads and electrification, and wider tap-water access—that are transforming consumer behaviour. The company estimates a 30% growth boost when villages connect to larger towns and is employing AI and about 30,000 local creators to produce fresher brand content. Distribution is also evolving, with quick-commerce offering better margins than traditional trade. While inflation and high oil prices pose pricing challenges, Unilever plans to manage them through cost-saving programs and a diversified brand portfolio.