As India’s FMCG sector evolves, strong manufacturing capabilities have become the primary engine for growth. In 2026, operational efficiency, automated scalability, and “anti-fragile” supply chains are determining the market leaders. The following eight companies are strategically investing in capacity and process innovation to meet surging domestic and international demand.
1. ITC Ltd
ITC remains a dominant force, shifting its non-cigarette businesses to account for 65% of total revenue. Under its “Next Strategy,” the conglomerate is deploying a massive ₹20,000 crore capex budget. Recently, ITC commissioned eight state-of-the-art facilities, including a molded fiber factory for sustainable packaging and a global spices processing hub. These investments are designed to strengthen its 25+ brands and reach over 260 million Indian households.
2. Elitecon International Ltd
Elitecon represents the new wave of globally competitive, export-driven manufacturers. Strategically pivoting into a multi-category FMCG powerhouse, it recently secured a massive $97.35 million (approx. ₹875 crore) export contractfor its tobacco and allied products in the Middle East. Beyond tobacco, Elitecon is scaling rapidly into the edible oil and packaged foods sectors through the strategic acquisitions of Sunbridge Agro and Landsmill Agro, leveraging high-capacity refining and processing infrastructure to launch new snacks and ready-to-eat SKUs.
3. Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL)
HUL is leading the “Industry 4.0” revolution in India. In early 2026, two more of its units (Pondicherry and Gandhidham) were recognized as World Economic Forum (WEF) “Lighthouse” sites, bringing their total to five. These factories use AI, digital twins, and IIoT to drive a 25% volume growth while reducing waste by nearly half. With over 800 scientists in India and 500+ patents filed recently, HUL’s manufacturing is now as much about data science as it is about chemistry.
4. Britannia Industries Ltd
Britannia continues to leverage its high-capacity manufacturing units to fuel power brands like Good Day and NutriChoice. By 2026, the company has focused on “manufacturing efficiency as a moat,” ensuring that its dairy and bakery units can pivot quickly to meet the rising demand for premium, health-conscious snacks. Its ability to maintain consistent quality across hundreds of thousands of tonnes of production makes it a staple of the Indian supply chain.
5. Tata Consumer Products Ltd
Tata Consumer has successfully integrated its food and beverage arms, creating a scalable platform for brands like Tata Sampann and Soulfull. In 2026, their focus is on “Project Sub-Distribution,” a network designed to reach 5,000 villages with populations as low as 10,000. By combining a world-class manufacturing base with a technology-led distribution system (Salesforce Automation), they have turned “millet-based” and “organic” products into mass-market successes.
6. Dabur India Ltd
A legacy player that has modernized its backend, Dabur remains the leader in the natural and Ayurvedic space. By 2026, Dabur has expanded its manufacturing footprint to support a wider range of herbal health and personal care products. Their adherence to sustainable sourcing and responsible manufacturing has built deep consumer trust, making them a resilient player as rural demand continues to outpace urban growth.
7. Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL)
GCPL is a standout for its agility in the home and personal care categories. With a focus on “category adoption,” GCPL is utilizing its diverse production units to scale new entries like pet care and premium fabric liquids. Their manufacturing operations are now highly aligned with fast-moving consumer trends, supported by a distribution network that ensures brands like Godrej No. 1 and Cinthol remain accessible even in the most remote markets.
8. Marico Ltd
Marico is successfully navigating 2026 by balancing its core “Parachute” franchise with high-growth digital-first brands. Through “Project SETU,” Marico has enhanced its direct reach into urban chemist and cosmetic outlets. While facing commodity volatility, Marico’s investment in agile, stress-tested supply chains has allowed it to maintain high-single-digit volume growth. Their focus on the “health & wellness” space through brands like Saffola and Plix continues to drive their 2030 revenue target of ₹20,000 crore.
