New Delhi: Dabur India Ltd on Monday said it witnessed early signs of demand recovery during the December quarter, aided by GST rate revisions and improving consumer sentiment across urban and rural markets, even as distributors focused on liquidating higher-priced inventory in October.
In a quarterly business update to stock exchanges, the FMCG major said rural demand continued to outperform urban demand during Q3 FY26, following trade stabilisation and gradual improvement in consumption trends.
Within the domestic business, Dabur expects its home and personal care segment to grow in double digits, driven by strong performance in hair oils and oral care. Key brands such as Dabur Amla, Dabur Almond, Dabur Anmol, Dabur Red Toothpaste and Meswak are likely to record healthy, volume-led growth and gain market share during the quarter.
The healthcare portfolio is expected to see a sequential improvement, supported by nearly 10% growth in Dabur Honey and over 15% year-on-year growth in Honitus and health juices. While growth in Dabur Chyawanprash primary sales is expected to remain muted, secondary sales stayed positive, with the company expecting improved momentum in January due to an extended winter. Overall, the healthcare business is projected to post low single-digit growth.
In the food and beverages segment, the culinary business is expected to report double-digit growth, while beverages such as nectars and drinks saw muted performance due to adverse seasonality. However, the premium ‘Real Activ’ portfolio, including 100% juices and coconut water, is expected to grow over 30%, with the beverage portfolio gaining market share during the quarter.
Channel-wise, organised trade and e-commerce, including quick commerce, continued to see strong double-digit growth. International markets such as MENA, Turkey, Bangladesh and Namaste performed well, with the overseas business expected to post near double-digit growth in rupee terms.
Overall, Dabur said it expects consolidated revenue to grow in mid-single digits in Q3 FY26, with operating profit and profit after tax growing faster than revenue, supported by favourable macroeconomic conditions and recent tax reforms.