From A ₹5 Biscuit To A ₹75,420 Crore Empire: The Story Of India’s Most Nostalgic Tea-Time Snack

For generations of Indians, a hot cup of tea paired with a ₹5 pack of Parle-G biscuits has been more than just a snack. It is a cherished childhood memory. Behind this iconic biscuit lies the remarkable story of Parle Products, a company that has grown from a small family-run business into one of India’s most valuable FMCG brands.

Parle Products began its journey nearly a century ago in Mumbai’s Vile Parle with just 12 family members. The company is now preparing for an Initial Public Offering (IPO), reportedly expected next year, with plans to raise around $1 billion (approximately ₹9,530 crore). The IPO marks another milestone in the company’s long business journey.

The biscuit was originally launched as Parle Gluco. However, in 1982, the company shortened the name to Parle-G after several brands introduced similar glucose biscuits, creating confusion among consumers. While the letter ‘G’ originally stood for ‘Glucose’, the company later popularised it among children through its memorable ‘G for Genius’ marketing campaign.

The story of Parle began in 1929, when Mohanlal Dayal established the House of Parle in Mumbai to manufacture sweets. The business started with just 12 family members. About a decade later, in 1939, the company expanded into biscuit manufacturing, laying the foundation for one of India’s best-known food brands.

At a time when most biscuits sold in India were imported and expensive, Mohanlal Dayal introduced Parle Gluco as an affordable alternative for Indian consumers. The biscuits quickly gained popularity and even became widely consumed by the British Indian Army during the Second World War.

Following India’s Partition in 1947, the country faced a severe shortage of wheat, the primary ingredient used in Parle Gluco biscuits. As a result, production had to be halted temporarily. To overcome the crisis, the company began producing biscuits made from barley until wheat supplies improved.

Today, Parle Products operates in more than 21 countries and has over 125 factories across India. Beyond Parle-G, its portfolio includes popular brands such as Monaco, Crackjack, Hide & Seek, Melody, Kismi, Mango Bite, along with chocolates, cakes, rusks and confectionery products.

According to a PTI report, Parle Products recorded an 8.5% increase in operating income, reaching ₹15,568.49 crore in FY25. During the same period, its net profit declined by 39% to ₹979.53 crore. The company was valued at ₹75,420 crore in the Burgundy Pvt Hurun India 500 list, making it the seventh most valuable company in India.