Dabur India Eyes Market Dominance With M&A Push, Core Brand Power

Dabur India's Bold Path to Market Leadership

I've always admired how established companies like Dabur India refine their strategies to stay ahead in competitive markets. In this insightful interview, CEO Mohit Malhotra outlines a vision rooted in three pillars: heavy investments in core brands to boost penetration and market share, a push towards premium and modern product offerings, and an aggressive pursuit of mergers and acquisitions.

Scaling Core Strengths

The focus on amplifying brands like Hajmola, health juices, and Shilajit through targeted investments is smart, especially as they eye gaps in gut health, heart care, and stress management. For FY26, they're projecting modest volume growth alongside stronger value increases, signaling confidence in resilient consumer demand.

Navigating Economic Tailwinds

GST reforms have been a game-changer, slashing rates on 85% of their portfolio and unlocking affordability. By passing savings to consumers, Dabur is poised to drive inclusive growth across urban and rural areas, maintaining leadership in over 90% of categories.

Premiumization: More Than a Trend

Post-pandemic shifts have consumers craving innovative, high-quality products aligned with health and lifestyle aspirations. Dabur is responding with premium hair care formats, healthcare gummies, and functional beverages, using e-commerce as a launchpad to test and scale these innovations for younger demographics.

Fueling Growth Through Acquisitions

With a dedicated INR 500 crore venture arm, Dabur is scouting synergistic digital-first businesses in personal care, wellness, and Ayurveda. Recent moves like acquiring Sesa Care and Badshah Masala underscore their commitment to strategic fits that enhance premium offerings and global reach, where international sales are already up 7.7%.

This strategy exemplifies how blending tradition with forward-thinking expansion can sustain double-digit growth. Entrepreneurs, take note—it's a blueprint for building enduring value. Dive into the full interview to uncover these details and more.