Hindustan Unilever (HUL) Chairman Nitin Paranjpe delivered a speech at the company's 92nd Annual General Meeting on 30th June 2025, titled "BUILDING A WINNING BUSINESS IN AN ASPIRING INDIA".
He highlighted India's resilience amid global turbulence, projecting a growth rate of approximately 6.3% during Financial Year 2025-26. India's GDP has more than doubled from USD 2.1 trillion (₹175 lakh crore) in 2015 to over USD 4.3 trillion (₹358 lakh crore) in 2025, projected to soon become the fourth-largest economy.
Key tailwinds for India's growth include a strong digital infrastructure (Aadhaar, UPI, Open Network for Digital Commerce - ONDC), a conducive policy environment, and a burgeoning young population. ONDC's e-commerce Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) is expected to grow to 30% of total e-commerce GMV by 2030, potentially reaching USD 1 trillion (₹83 lakh crore).
India's infrastructure budget increased six-fold, with capital expenditure surging from ₹2 lakh crore in 2014-15 to ₹11.21 lakh crore in 2025-26.
HUL's strategy for unlocking aspirations in India includes:
Consumer-Centric Innovation: Leveraging AI-enabled tools like DVOC for consumer sentiment analysis and launching products like Liquid IV, and strategic investments in wellness brands such as Oziva and Wellbeing Nutrition. Developed Stratos technology for soap bars and Vim Ultra Pro floor cleaners using probiotics.
Agile Supply Chain: Operating 27 owned factories, utilizing digital tools like Agile Innovation Hub and Digital Supply Chain Nerve Centre. Three factories recognized as 4IR end-to-end digital lighthouse factories by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
Distribution & Marketing: Reimagining distribution through the Premium Retail Organisation (PRO) and the eB2B mobile app 'Shikhar', which integrates with ONDC. Increased digital marketing investments to 40% of spending and collaborates with over 12,000 influencers.
Sustainability: Focusing on Climate, Nature, Plastics, and Livelihoods. Joined the Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC) to advance NetZero transition. Promotes regenerative agricultural practices and invested in Lucro Plastecycle Private Limited to strengthen plastic circularity. Through SAFAL (Skill’s Academy For Advancement of Livelihoods), HUL has enhanced livelihoods for over 3 lakh individuals.
The company aims to embed a winning culture by encouraging employees to 'Care Deeply', 'Focus on What Counts', 'Stay Three Steps Ahead', and 'Deliver with Excellence', underpinned by values of integrity, responsibility, respect, and pioneering.
HUL believes that what is good for India is good for HUL, emphasizing its role as a partner in the nation's long-term ambitions.