Parle Melody rides 'Modi-Meloni' viral moment as India toffee exports hit ₹132 cr, up 166% in 12 years

India's toffee exports surged from ₹49.68 cr in FY14 to ₹132 cr in FY26, a 166% jump flagged by commerce minister Piyush Goyal. The data landed alongside a viral 'Melodi' moment after PM Modi gifted Parle Melody toffees to Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, triggering e-commerce stockouts and renewed export-narrative tailwind for Indian confectionery brands.

— Source publishedThu, 21 May, 2026, 17:19 IST·First seen Thu, 21 May, 2026, 17:55 IST·Source Business Today · Latest

What happened

Parle Melody · India's toffee exports jumped 166% over 12 years to ₹132 crore in FY26, per Piyush Goyal. The data surfaced amid viral 'Melodi' buzz after PM

Key facts

  • ₹49.68 crore (FY14)
  • ₹132 crore (FY26)
  • 166% growth

Why this matters

The export-narrative momentum plus diplomatic brand visibility opens a window for Indian confectionery majors to pursue overseas distribution JVs or bolt-on acquisitions in EU and Gulf channels while valuations still trail global comps.