Parle-G Still Rules the World: The Story of the World’s Largest Selling Biscuit

Parle-G Still Rules the World: How an Indian Biscuit Became the World’s Largest Selling Brand

Parle-G is not just a biscuit. For millions of Indians, it is an emotion, a memory, and a symbol of trust that has survived generations. From school lunchboxes and railway journeys to tea breaks in offices and homes, Parle-G has remained a constant companion. Decades after its launch, Parle-G continues to dominate not only the Indian market but also the global biscuit industry.

According to a Nielsen report, Parle-G has consolidated its position as the world’s largest selling biscuit brand by volume, outperforming international giants such as Kraft’s Oreo, Walmart’s private labels, and Mexico’s Gamesa. This achievement is even more remarkable considering the intense competition and price sensitivity of the biscuit market.

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Parle-G: A Brand Rooted in Indian Households

Launched in 1939 by Parle Products, Parle-G (originally known as Parle Gluco) was designed to provide affordable nutrition to the masses. The iconic yellow and white packaging, along with the illustration of the Parle-G girl, has barely changed over the years—an intentional move to preserve familiarity and trust.

Unlike premium biscuits that target niche consumers, Parle-G positioned itself as a value-for-money glucose biscuit, accessible to people across income groups. This mass-market approach helped Parle-G penetrate deep into urban, semi-urban, and rural India, creating an unmatched distribution network.

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World’s Largest Selling Biscuit: What the Nielsen Report Says

The Nielsen study revealed that Parle-G leads the ₹11,295-crore Indian biscuit market in terms of volume sales. It surpassed global brands like Oreo and major private labels across international markets.

Key highlights from the report include:

• Parle-G ranks number one globally by volume

• India is the largest biscuit-consuming market in the world

• Parle-G outperforms brands from the US, Mexico, China, and Europe

• Biscuit consumption in India continues to grow due to affordability and reach

This dominance underscores the strength of Indian FMCG brands when they understand local consumer needs better than multinational competitors.

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India: The World’s Leading Biscuit Market

India has emerged as the largest market for biscuits globally, ahead of countries such as:

• United States

• Mexico

• China

• Argentina

• France

• Italy

• Germany

• Turkey

• Spain

Several factors contribute to India’s leadership in biscuit consumption:

1. Large population base

2. Affordable pricing

3. High acceptance across age groups

4. Long shelf life compared to fresh bakery products

5. Strong rural distribution

Biscuits are often seen as a convenient food option in India—easy to store, transport, and consume—making them an essential part of daily life.

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Source 

The Economic Times