Parle-G Biscuits broke an 82-year sales record in the lockdown

- Not only Parle-G, biscuits from other biscuit companies also sold well

- Parle-G easy option for NGOs

Mumbai, Ta. 9 June 2020, Tuesday

The nationwide lockdown imposed by the Modi government due to the Corona virus has broken the backbone of the country's economy and many companies have suffered losses. The lockdown has pushed many companies into recession, but it has been a boon for Parle-G Biscuits, which are on the verge of closing. Sales of Parle-G biscuits have broken a six-year record during this time of lockdown. One of the reasons for this was that the Parle-G biscuits, which were available for only five rupees, had filled the stomachs of millions of expatriate laborers who had set out on foot.

At the time of the lockdown, Parle-G biscuits were the only source of food for millions of expatriate laborers on their way home on foot. Organizations providing relief items to the needy in many places also distributed a large number of Parle-G biscuits. A large number of middle-class people also stocked Parle-G biscuits at home, fearing the lockdown would last long. Parle said the company did not release sales figures for the brand of biscuits, but did say that sales in March, April and May were the best in the last eight decades.

Mayank Shah, category head, Parle Products, said the sale of Parle-G has boosted the company's total market share by about five per cent. Several biscuit manufacturers, including Parle, began operations immediately after the first week of the lockdown. The companies also made arrangements for their employees to come and go so that they would not face any problem. As a result, when the factories started, these companies focused on the products of the best-selling products.

Anuj Sethi, senior director, Crisil Ratings, who recently conducted a study on FMCG companies, said that not only Parle-G, but also biscuits from other biscuit companies were selling well during this time of lockdown. According to experts, apart from Britannia's Good Day, Tiger, Milk Bikis, Barbourn and Mary Biscuits, biscuits like Parle's Crackjack, Monaco, Hyde and Seek were also on sale.

An important factor in the sale of Parle-G is its price. This biscuit, which is available for only five rupees, is a food base for the poor even under normal circumstances. Parle-ji became an easy meal for millions of laborers during the lockdown. Those who could not afford bread could buy Parle-ji, said Mayank Shah. In addition, Parle-G was an easy option for donations to organizations providing food to the poor and needy.

The company's announcement in August put the Modi government in trouble

Parle-GA has made record sales during the lockdown. However, just 10 months ago, in August 2016 alone, Parle had estimated that an estimated 10,000 people would be laid off. At the time, the company's report on GST and the economic downturn had put the Modi government in trouble. The company said the government should reduce GST on low-priced biscuits. If the government does not accept our demand, we will have to lay off 5,000 to 10,000 people. Varun Berry, managing director of Britannia, said the current economic situation was so bad that consumers were reluctant to buy biscuits worth Rs 5. This represents the seriousness of the financial problem. After the company's report, the Opposition slammed the Modi government for failing on the economic front.