Crisil pegs FMCG growth at 8-10% in FY26 as price hikes mask volume slowdown

Indian FMCG revenue is set to expand 8-10% to Rs 6.6 lakh crore in FY26, driven by 6-7% price-led realisation gains, while volumes crawl at 2-3%. Crude-linked input inflation will compress EBITDA margins by 150-200 bps to 17-18%, hitting soaps, detergents and personal care hardest.

— Source publishedThu, 21 May, 2026, 15:04 IST·First seen Thu, 21 May, 2026, 15:20 IST·Source ET Small Business

What happened

Crisil Ratings · Crisil projects Indian FMCG revenue growth of 8-10% this fiscal driven by price hikes, but volume growth slows to 2-3% and EBITDA margins

Key facts

  • 8-10% revenue growth FY26
  • Rs 6.6 lakh crore sector revenue
  • 74 companies studied
  • 6-7% realisation increase
  • 2-3% volume growth
  • EBITDA margin decline 150-200 bps
  • gross margin decline 300-350 bps
  • operating margins 17-18%
  • crude-linked inputs 30-40% of RM for PC/HC
  • 15% for F&B
  • urban 60% revenue share

Why this matters

Margin pressure on mid-tier soaps, detergents and personal care players sets up a buyer's window for tuck-in acquisitions of stressed regional brands trading at compressed EBITDA multiples through FY26.