El Niño threatens India FMCG growth as monsoon deficit hits 28.4%, rural demand at risk

Historical El Niño years saw FMCG revenue growth slip to 8.6% vs 12.2% in normal years. With 28.4% rainfall deficit and CPI at 3.9% in May, HUL, Marico, Dabur, Emami face volume pressure through FY27. Two-wheelers and cooling appliances likely resilient.

— Source publishedThu, 18 Jun, 2026, 11:50 IST·First seen Thu, 18 Jun, 2026, 11:54 IST·Source Forbes India

What happened

India FMCG · El Nino and delayed monsoon threaten food inflation, rural demand and FMCG volumes in India. FMCG majors historically saw revenue growth slip to

Key facts

  • 28.4% rainfall deficit
  • 90% of LPA rainfall
  • FY27 inflation 5.6%
  • CPI 3.9% May
  • FMCG revenue growth 8.6% in El Nino years vs 12.2%
  • two-wheeler sales 8.4% growth

Why this matters

Scout bolt-on acquisitions of stressed regional FMCG brands likely to seek exits as the 360bps growth compression squeezes mid-tier balance sheets through FY27.