Perfetti Van Melle India MD calls for value-led consumer growth at GoaFest
Nikhil Sharma said India’s growth model should move beyond volume toward innovation, premiumisation and R&D. The confectionery maker highlighted its 6 million-outlet distribution reach and three Indian manufacturing facilities.
What happened
Perfetti Van Melle India MD Nikhil Sharma said India’s consumer-growth model should shift from volume to value through innovation, premiumisation and R&D. The
Key facts
- 6 million outlets
- 3 manufacturing facilities
- 1994 India operations start
- 32 years since inception
Why this matters
Perfetti Van Melle may be a more relevant partner or target for capabilities in premium confectionery, consumer insight and India-focused R&D than for distribution expansion.
What to watch
- New premium or functional confectionery launches and stated premium-SKU revenue mix.
- Evidence of higher advertising, innovation or manufacturing-capex spend in India.
- Price increases, larger pack sizes or new entry price points across core brands.
- Quick-commerce and modern-trade assortment expansion versus general-trade-only distribution.
- Competitor moves from Mondelez, Mars, Hershey and regional players in premium, gum and reduced-sugar categories.
- Increase launches in premium candy, gum, center-fill, functional and adult-consumption segments.
- Test price-pack architecture that bridges impulse price points and premium margins.
- Allocate more shopper marketing and display investment to modern trade, quick commerce, travel retail and gifting occasions.
- Localize R&D around Indian flavor preferences, reduced-sugar demand and heat-resistant product formats.
- Use the existing distribution base to improve premium-SKU availability before pursuing major outlet expansion.