India's direct selling industry hits Rs 23,021 cr in FY25, but e-comm pressure mounts

IDSA's annual report shows the sector grew just 4% YoY to Rs 23,021 crore in FY25, with 58% of sellers flagging intensifying competition from e-commerce, D2C and quick-commerce platforms reshaping price, delivery and digital expectations. Wellness leads at 60% share; 93 lakh sellers, 48% women.

— Source publishedTue, 19 May, 2026, 17:57 IST·First seen Tue, 19 May, 2026, 18:06 IST·Source ET Small Business

What happened

IDSA's annual report says India's direct selling industry grew 4% to Rs 23,021 crore in FY25, but 58% of sellers flag rising competition from e-commerce, D2C

Key facts

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

Why this matters

Fragmentation among 93 lakh sellers and mounting e-comm pressure opens a window to acquire sub-scale wellness direct-sellers or bolt-on D2C tech stacks that can re-platform traditional networks into omni-channel businesses.