{
  "id": 6468379,
  "title": "Heatwave changes what’s hot in India’s FMCG basket",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/heatwave-changes-whats-hot-in-indias-fmcg-basket",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-09T19:32:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Economic Times",
    "slug": "the-economic-times",
    "url": "https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/cons-products/fmcg/extreme-heat-creates-new-winners-in-indias-fmcg-basket/articleshow/133982335.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "This summer, Indian households have been grappling with extreme heat, which has led to changes in their consumption patterns, particularly in the FMCG sector. Among households at peak heat risk, chocolate consumption has fallen by 10% compared to the same period last year, while milk and food drinks have declined by 8%, and butter and cheese by 7%. A majority of households, approximately 88%, reported additional summer-related expenses, and 73% said their grocery budgets were affected. The impact was most pronounced among peak-risk households, with 82% reporting severe pressure on grocery budgets. However, the trend is not limited to food items. Dabur, a leading FMCG company, reported a bounce back in its glucose business after April, with growth accelerating in May and June. Glucose and 100% juices saw mid-teens growth, while coconut water saw a 70% increase. HUL, another major player, is working to de-seasonalize beauty categories, making moisturization and sunscreens less dependent on the season. The shift in consumer behavior is also visible in the choice of hydration and personal care products. Among peak-risk households, the consumption of sugarcane juice, buttermilk, lassi, fresh milkshakes, cold coffee, and iced beverages has increased significantly compared to low-risk households. FMCG players need to recognize this shift and adapt their portfolios to be more affordable, relevant, and accessible to the changing consumer needs.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}