Direct selling hits Rs 23,021 cr in FY25 as e-commerce squeezes growth to 4%

IDSA report shows India's direct selling industry grew just 4% to Rs 23,021 crore in FY25, with 58% of 93 lakh direct sellers flagging Amazon, Flipkart and quick-commerce as a key competitive threat. Wellness leads category mix at 60%, cosmetics 26%; Maharashtra tops states at 15.31%.

— Source publishedWed, 20 May, 2026, 10:50 IST·First seen Wed, 20 May, 2026, 11:34 IST·Source ET Retail

What happened

IDSA report flags intensifying competition between India's Rs 23,021 cr direct selling industry (4% FY25 growth) and e-commerce/quick-commerce players like

Key facts

  • Rs 23,021 crore FY25
  • 4% YoY growth
  • 58% direct sellers cite e-comm competition
  • 93 lakh direct sellers
  • women 48%
  • wellness 60% share
  • cosmetics 26%
  • Maharashtra 15.31%

Why this matters

Distressed direct sellers with strong wellness/cosmetics brands but weakening 93-lakh-seller economics are emerging as bolt-on targets for e-commerce-native acquirers seeking trusted private-label IP at compressed multiples.