By Mr. Abhay Ray 
Introduction to Parle Products
Parle Products is a leading Indian multinational food company renowned for its biscuits, confectionery, and snacks. Established in 1929 in the Vile Parle suburb of Mumbai, the company has become synonymous with quality, nutrition, and affordability. Parle is widely recognized for its flagship product, Parle-G, the world’s best-selling biscuit brand. Over the decades, Parle has expanded its product portfolio to include a variety of biscuits, candies, snacks, and beverages, catering to diverse consumer preferences both in India and globally.
Incorporation of Parle Products
Parle Products was founded by Mohanlal Dayal Chauhan in 1929. Initially established as a confectionery maker with a small factory employing just 12 people, the company began producing biscuits in 1939. During World War II, Parle supplied biscuits exclusively to the British Army. Post-independence in 1947, the company shifted its focus to the Indian market, offering affordable and high-quality biscuits as an alternative to imported products.In1950, Parle was officially incorporated as Parle Products Private Limited. Over time, it diversified into beverages and snacks and underwent a division into three separate entities: Parle Products (biscuits and snacks), Parle Agro (beverages), and Parle Bisleri (bottled water).
Mission and Vision of Parle Products
Mission Statement
To deliver high-quality, nutritious, and affordable food products that cater to the diverse tastes and preferences of consumers worldwide. Parle Products is committed to enhancing customer satisfaction by combining innovation, tradition, and value-for-money offerings. The company aim to foster trust, integrity, and sustainability in all aspects of our operations, ensuring a positive impact on society and the environment.
Vision Statement
The company envisions to be a global leader in the food and confectionery industry, recognized for our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer delight and creating a legacy of trust by providing products that bring joy to every household while contributing to the socio-economic growth of communities and promoting sustainable practices across the globe.These statements reflect Parle’s long-standing dedication to quality, affordability, and social responsibility while aligning with its rich history and future aspirations for global growth and innovation.
Founder Details
The company was founded by Mohanlal Dayal Chauhan, who originally hailed from Pardi near Valsad in Gujarat. He moved to Mumbai to establish his business after initially working as a tailor. Mohanlal’s entrepreneurial vision laid the foundation for what would become one of India’s most iconic brands. His five sons—Maneklal, Pitambar, Narottam, Kantilal, and Jayantilal—played significant roles in expanding the business.
Products of Parle
Parle has products across biscuits, confectionery, snacks, and beverages. In the biscuits category, the brand is specifically known for Parle-G and Monaco, India’s first salted cracker. Other biscuit varieties include Hide & Seek, a chocolate chip cookie; KrackJack, a sweet and salty biscuit; 20-20, which features cashew and coconut; and Milano, an Italian chocolate-filled cookie. In addition, candy lovers will not be disappointed with several delectable options from the Confectionery, such as Mango Bite, Melody, Poppins, and Kismi Toffee Bar. Among snack products, Parle offers Cheeselings, a crunchy cheese-flavored snack; Namkeen, a mix of several Indian savory snacks; and Wafers, with a range of potato chip flavors. The company also has a beverage division by the name Parle Agro, which has earned reputation recently with beverages like Frooti, a mango drink, and Appy Fizz, a sparkling apple drink. This wide product range makes Parle very attractive to consumers.
Investments of Parle Products
Parle Products has made strategic investments, such as participating in the Series A funding round for Bengaluru based FMCG startup WIMWI Foods in 2019. The investment aimed to support the growth of healthy snack products.
Revenue and Growth
Parle Products’s operating revenue range is INR 100cr – 500cr for the financial year ending on 31 March, 2023. It’s EBITDA has decreased by 1.28% over the previous year.
Parle Biscuits, a subsidiary of Parle Products, had reported
- Profit: Parle Biscuits reported a twofold increase in profit to ₹1,606.95 crore in FY24 compared to ₹743.66 crore in FY23.
- Revenue: Total revenue increased by 5.31% to ₹15,085.76 crore, with revenue from operations growing by 2% to ₹14,349.4 crore.
- Advertising Expenses: The company increased its advertising and promotional spending by 3.23% to ₹442.81 crore.
- Tax and Expenses: Total tax expenses stood at ₹499.4 crore, while total expenses decreased by 2.54% year-on-year to ₹12,979.41 crore.
Awards and Recognitions
- Monde Selection Awards: Parle has been recognized at the Monde Selection Awards since 1971 for the quality of its products, including biscuits and confectionery, which are market leaders in their respective categories.
- PETA Vegan Food Award: In 2014, Parle’s Mango Bite candy won PETA India’s first-ever Vegan Food Award for “Best Vegan Candy,” highlighting the company’s commitment to cruelty-free products.
- Barclays Hurun India Award: In 2024, the Chauhan family of Parle Products was honored with the Barclays Private Clients Hurun India Award for “Iconic Family Business Legacy,” celebrating their long-standing contributions to India’s FMCG sector.
- Appies Asia Gold Award: Parle’s CSR initiative, the MTV Junkyard Project, which supports sanitation and aligns with the Swachh Bharat Campaign, was awarded Gold at the Appies Asia Conference as one of the most effective CSR activities across Asia.
- Kantar Worldpanel Recognition: Parle continues to be recognized as India’s top FMCG brand in Kantar’s Brand Footprint report, reflecting its strong consumer trust and market leadership.
- OVID-19 Relief Efforts: During the pandemic in 2020, Parle achieved record-breaking sales while also donating three crore packs of Parle-G biscuits to those in need through government agencies. These efforts reinforced its commitment to social responsibility and earned widespread appreciation.
- World’s Largest-Selling Biscuit Brand: Parle-G was recognized as the world’s largest-selling biscuit brand by volume in 2011, according to a Nielsen report. This distinction highlights the brand’s global popularity and dominance in the biscuit category.
Competitors of Parle Products
- Danone
- Wingreens
- ITC Limited
- Britannia Industries
- Mondelez India
- Anmol Industries
- Patanjali Ayurveda
Conclusion
Parle’s commitment to delivering high-quality products at affordable prices has made it a household name in India. With over 130 factories across India and exports to markets like the United States, Europe, Africa, and Asia, Parle continues to expand its global footprint. The brand’s nostalgic appeal combined with modern innovations ensures its enduring popularity among consumers of all ages.
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