Glucose To Genius, Mohanlal Dayal's Biscuit Empire Touches Rs 8,000 Crore In Sales

In India, few brands have achieved the iconic status that Parle-G has attained over the years. The biscuit brand, known to almost every Indian, has been a market leader for an extended period, owing its success to a combination of minimalistic strategies and effective branding. The mastermind behind Parle-G is Mohanlal Dayal, whose entrepreneurial journey tells a remarkable success story.

The journey of Parle-G traces back to its foundation in Mumbai by Mohanlal Dayal, who initially ventured into the candy business in 1928. However, recognizing the limited reach of biscuits primarily among the British elite and affluent Indians, Dayal shifted his focus entirely to biscuits by 1938. This strategic move aligned with his vision to introduce biscuits accessible to the common people of India.

The brand’s name, Parle-G, incorporates the term Parle, reflecting the company’s Mumbai origins. In its early years, G denoted glucose, as the biscuits were marketed as having glucose content. The product gained widespread acceptance, especially during the Swadeshi movement, garnering recognition from Indian consumers.

The 1960s brought fierce competition from Britannia, prompting Parle-G to devise a new strategy. The introduction of a young girl on their packaging, a symbol that later became iconic, marked a shift in consumer perception. Additionally, the G was rebranded to signify genius. The company effectively managed to control the pricing of its biscuits and navigated the competitive landscape.

Parle-G has evolved, diversifying into three distinct brands—Monaco, Crackjack, and Hide and Seek. In a notable achievement, the brand became the first FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) brand to achieve sales worth Rs 5000 crore in the retail market in 2013. The years 2018-20 witnessed an impressive sales figure, with approximately Rs 8,000 crore worth of Parle-G biscuits sold.

Mohanlal Dayal’s strategic vision and adaptability to market dynamics have solidified Parle-G as a household name, reflecting the success of an indigenous brand that resonates with the diverse population of India.