Hindustan Unilever, Nestle India, and Marico are increasing their focus on quick commerce and artificial intelligence (AI) as key growth drivers, according to their Q1 FY27 earnings calls. These legacy fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies view quick commerce not just as another sales channel but as a significant route to market that supports market expansion and premiumisation, medianama.com reported.
During the earnings calls, Hindustan Unilever’s CEO and managing director Priya Nair highlighted the company’s strategy of designing price packs exclusively for quick commerce. She explained that quick commerce enables better consumer segmentation, allowing the company to create tailored portfolios and channel architectures. AI is being integrated across the entire value chain to enhance online brand visibility, generate actionable consumer insights, and optimise inventory management, rather than being treated as a standalone initiative.
The emphasis on quick commerce comes amid a relative slowdown in modern trade and marketplace e-commerce over recent quarters. By betting on quick commerce, these FMCG firms aim to capture the value it brings through differentiated consumer engagement and faster delivery. The integration of AI across operations reflects a broader trend in the sector to leverage technology for efficiency and growth, positioning these companies to better compete in evolving retail landscapes.
Hindustan Unilever’s approach to quick commerce, including channel-specific pricing and packaging strategies, exemplifies the sector’s shift. The companies’ Q1 FY27 earnings calls collectively underscore the growing importance of quick commerce and AI in India’s FMCG market, as these firms adapt to changing consumer behaviors and digital transformation.