India’s consumer landscape in 2026 is shifting toward premium babycare, petcare, AI-led shopping, and quick commerce. Rising purchasing power and aspirational lifestyles are driving branded product adoption, expected to reach 45% of retail by FY2030. With GDP growth led by private consumption, new retail brands are poised to capture this expanding market.
India enters 2026 with strong fundamentals—steady GDP growth, rising per capita income, and evolving consumer aspirations. According to YourStory, the next phase of consumption will be defined by premiumization, digital-first shopping, and lifestyle-driven categories.
Consumers are steadily moving from unbranded to branded products, with branded retail projected to account for $730 billion by FY2030, nearly double its current size. This shift is reinforced by India’s macroeconomic trajectory, where private consumption is expected to lead GDP growth, supported by improved credit access and digital infrastructure.
Notable Updates and Major Takeaways
Premium babycare & petcare: Growing demand for specialized, branded products in family and lifestyle segments.
AI-led shopping: Personalization and predictive commerce shaping online retail experiences.
Quick commerce 2.0: Dark stores and hyperlocal delivery expanding beyond metros.
Aspirational lifestyles: Rising middle class trading up to branded goods across categories.
Macro outlook: India’s GDP projected at 7.4% growth in FY26, with consumption as the driver.
Retail opportunity: Branded products expected to reach 45% of retail market by FY2030.
Conclusion
India’s consumer trends in 2026 highlight a structural shift toward branded, digital, and lifestyle-driven spending. For businesses, the opportunity lies in aligning with aspirational demand and leveraging AI-powered commerce to capture the next wave of growth.
Sources: YourStory, Times Now, D&B India ReportDun & Bradstreet