Parle-G: World's #1 Biscuit!

Hey there,

Parle-G is the WORLD’S top-selling biscuit!

But how did a simple biscuit from Mumbai become a global leader?

First, let's rewind to early 20th-century Mumbai. That's where Parle Products started. Back then, Parle-G was known as 'Parle Gluco.'

Parle-G is not confined to the borders of India; it has made its mark globally. Here's how:

1. Best-in-class quality, yet affordable:

Parle-G nailed the balance between quality and affordability. Even with economic ups and downs, the brand kept its prices steady. This made it a hit in both cities and villages. You can find these biscuits for as low as Rs. 2, with the popular Rs. 5 pack everywhere.

2. Ability to overcome challenges:

Be it recessions or a global pandemic, Parle-G has always come out strong.

When COVID-19 hit, and most brands saw a dip in sales, Parle-G's market share jumped by 5%. Its wide availability and low prices made it a go-to choice. People stocked up on these biscuits. Governments and NGOs also chose Parle-G for relief efforts.

3. Strong distribution network:

Parle-G's distribution network is massive. It reaches from Mumbai's busy corporates to remote northeastern villages.

Over 90 years, they've built a network so strong that 1 billion biscuit packs are produced and sold each month.

The strength of their can be judged by the fact that Udaan, a new-age startup, filed a case against them for market dominance, and misuse of their power.

4. A product truly made for the masses:

Parle-G was the first Indian FMCG brand to hit Rs 5,000 crore in retail sales.

A survey says that at any given second, 4551 Parle-G biscuits are eaten in India.

Reflecting on Parle-G's journey, it's clear that its success isn't just luck. It's about resilience, emotional connection with consumers, and a commitment to quality and affordability.

Parle-G's story is more than just about a biscuit. It's about creating a legacy that lasts.

So, what lessons can new-age startups learn from Parle-G?

✍️ Jargon of the day

FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) - Products that are sold quickly at relatively low cost, like packaged foods, beverages, toiletries, and other consumables.

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Cheers,
Hrishikesh