'India’s aspirational middle class gives it an edge'

Mumbai: AB Inbev CEO Roberto Italia emphasizes the unique demographic advantage India holds due to its growing middle class. This class is not only comfortable spending but also values education, setting India apart from other economies. With a 31-year investment portfolio of over 2 billion assets, Verlinvest, a Belgian family-owned entity, is one of the largest supporters of consumer brands in India.

Italia attributes this success to the Indian populace's ambition and ability to envision a brighter future, which drives their spending. He predicts that even with advancements in artificial intelligence, India's young population will continue to be a valuable asset. Italia's enthusiasm for India's dynamism is evident, comparing the country's energy levels to those of New York City in the 1990s.

This energy, present in both major cities and smaller towns, fosters entrepreneurship and growth across all levels of society. Italia's firm, Verlinvest, is increasing its investment plans in India, with a goal of €1 billion in the next five years, allocating €100-200 million annually. The sectors likely to see growth include health, fitness, live entertainment, digital content, and sneakers.

A major driver behind this transformation is India's digital revolution, which has made technology accessible to a larger population. Today, nearly every aspect of consumption is influenced by digital tools, from food retail to quick commerce, online travel, and financial services. This digital transformation is also fostering new economic activities, such as influencer marketing, which did not exist a few years ago.

With faster internet speeds, telecom has become an essential component of societal interaction, further boosting consumer spending.