FMCG sales jump 40% in June with easing lockdown restrictions

By

Isabelle Crossley

Published
Jul 6, 2021

The month of June saw fast-moving consumer goods sales increase by close to 40% compared to May, as lockdown restrictions eased across many states. July looks set to see sustained demand. 

 
After FMCG sales dropped sharply by a third in May 2021, as stores deemed ‘non-essential’ remained closed under many states’ local lockdown restrictions, June saw the trend reversed, ET Bureau reported. Both e-commerce operations and brick-and-mortar stores were able to do increased business and many stores have been running promotional offers to encourage consumer spending. 
 
However, June sales are still down by one fifth compared to last year, due to the fact that June 2020 was a time when many shoppers stocked up on goods to last them through future lockdowns. Despite this, FMCG sales in the April to June quarter in 2021 have risen by 8% year-on-year, according to a recent study by sales automation firm Bizom, accessed by ET Bureau. 

As state lockdowns continue to lift, demand should remain high throughout July. However, July 2021 will still see lower levels of spending compared to July 2020 as stockpiling was still continuing this time last year. FMCG retailers, especially in categories such as garments which have seasonal collections, are hoping increased demand helps to reduce the issue of excess stock and clears the way for future product launches.