Parle-G, a name synonymous with biscuits across India, stands as a testament to the enduring power of iconic brands. Its journey is a captivating narrative that stretches back nearly a century, entwined with the changing landscape of India itself.
The genesis of Parle-G lies in the early 1900s when a young boy named Mohanlal Chauhan, hailing from a small town near Valsad in South Gujarat, arrived in Mumbai with dreams of a new life. His initial pursuit was in the field of tailoring, a skill he mastered with remarkable speed. At the tender age of 18, Mohanlal established a store in Gamdevi, Mumbai, providing him with financial stability. This success led him to establish two independent businesses: D Mohanlal and Co. and Chhiba Durlabh.
As fate would have it, World War I disrupted the world, forcing Mohanlal’s sons to shut down their tailoring shop. This unexpected turn of events led them to a new venture – a confectionary company, thus laying the foundation for the Parle Group.
Mohanlal’s vision was to bring advanced technology to India. He invested his savings, a substantial Rs 60,000, to import machinery from Germany. This strategic decision proved pivotal. Post India’s independence, Parle-G flourished as the preferred alternative to British snacks, capitalizing on the rising sentiment for indigenous products.
The Parle Group’s entrepreneurial spirit extended beyond biscuits. They ventured into the soft drink market with resounding success, introducing iconic brands like Thums Up, Gold Spot, Limca, and Frooti, each gaining immense popularity across India.
Parle-G’s growth trajectory continued to soar, reaching a milestone in 2012 when it became the first FMCG company in India to cross the Rs 5000 crore mark in annual retail sales. This success was further solidified by a 2011 Neilson report that recognized Parle-G biscuits as the world’s best-selling biscuits.
Today, under the leadership of Vijay Chauhan, Parle Products has cemented its position as a global powerhouse. Its revenue surpasses USD 2 billion, equivalent to a staggering Rs 17000 crore, with the family’s net worth estimated at a phenomenal USD 5.5 billion (approximately Rs 45,238 crore).
The journey of Parle-G exemplifies the power of vision, resilience, and strategic adaptability. From its humble beginnings as a tailor shop to its global prominence, Parle-G stands as an inspiring tale of an Indian brand that not only conquered the domestic market but also carved a niche for itself on the world stage.
