The Union Budget 2025-26 presents exciting opportunities for brands across India, driving innovation and growth. With a focus on digital transformation, data-driven strategies, and a consumer-first approach, brands are set to strengthen connections and deliver personalized experiences. By embracing technology, sustainability, and inclusive growth, the budget paves the way for brands to thrive in a competitive market.

Explore expert insights on the Union Budget 2025-26 and its impact on brands across India, featuring perspectives from leading industry voices:

 

Arpan Biswas – Chief Marketing Officer – AJIO.Com

“This budget will drive higher consumption & lead to demand revival. With higher discretionary spends, the sectors to benefit would be QSR, automobiles, fashion, entertainment, restaurants, etc. The FY26 economic budget strikes a good balance between fiscal consolidation and growth”

 

Siddharth Dabhade, Chief Business Officer, Lemma Technologies

1. Consumption will increase – By reducing income tax for the tax paying middle class – a huge 1 lakh crore to 3 lakh crore of money is in the hands of consumers to spend and/or invest. This will help discretionary spending.

2. Discretionary spends – Auto, Fashion, Jewellery, leisure holidays, experiences, food & restaurants etc will grow.

3. Investment products – More money will flow to investment products as well. Mutual fund companies, brokerages, investment firms will do well.

4. Capex remains strong – Capex has not gone down. Capex focus has shifted a bit. Railways budgets remain the same. But more capex has gone to housing, ship building and power distribution.

5. Huge focus on MSME and start ups – Government wants to boost private sector participation with special focus on MSME growth, exports and startups.

6. Fiscal deficit remains under control – Inspite of capex increase and income tax reduction – Government spends remain stable and deficit under control. The government wants to create capacity for any future upheavals and wants the private sector to invest.

Overall this is a budget which is focused on capex and also wants to grow consumption for the private sector to invest. It is an overall progressive budget with focus on bringing growth back.

 

Pankaj Singh Yadav – CEO – Tagglabs Experiential Pvt. Ltd.

“I feel that this Union Budget 2025 reflects a new direction for growth. Additional medical college seats and significant investments in AI, R&D, and tourism are some of the programs that would strengthen the economy in the coming years. Tax reforms like exceptions and ease of compliance will serve the middle class and drive economic activity. For us, such reforms represent a grand opportunity for crafting immersive rich experiences.”

 

Aasif Malbari, Chief Financial Officer – Godrej Consumer Products Ltd.

“The Union Budget 2025 takes a balanced approach by strengthening rural infrastructure, manufacturing, and consumer spending—three critical pillars for the FMCG sector. Investments in rural development and job creation will boost economic activity and drive higher consumption, opening new opportunities for market expansion. The National Manufacturing Mission is a strong step toward enhancing domestic production, reducing import dependencies, and improving cost efficiencies. Additionally, tax reforms benefiting the middle class will increase disposable income, further fueling demand across essential and aspirational FMCG categories.

Overall, the Budget lays a strong foundation for a more consumption-driven economy, creating significant growth opportunities for the FMCG industry.”

Ganesh Sonawane, CEO & Co-Founder – Frido

“The Union Budget 2025-26 reaffirms India’s commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic inclusivity, laying a strong foundation for startups and consumer-driven industries. The increase in credit guarantee cover, extended tax benefits, and fresh Fund of Funds investment will provide much-needed momentum for startups and MSMEs, enabling them to scale and drive domestic consumption. Additionally, the National Manufacturing Mission and export promotion measures will bolster India’s position as a global manufacturing hub, aligning with our vision of ‘Make in India, Make for the World.’ 

A key highlight is the new tax regime aimed at reducing the middle-class tax burden, which is expected to boost disposable income and fuel demand for consumer brands across sectors such as retail, lifestyle, and technology. With a huge jump in Gen Z consumption spending, businesses catering to this dynamic demographic stand to benefit significantly.

Furthermore, streamlined regulations and an improved ease of doing business framework will create a more conducive environment for startups to innovate, expand, and contribute meaningfully to India’s economic growth. This budget paves the way for the next phase of India’s entrepreneurial and industrial transformation.”

 

Dr. Ankoor Dasguupta, Chief Experience Officer – Garage Collective

“Well, no budget ever satisfies the mass, and I will only pick the good points. The emphasis on investment as one of the engines of growth, focusing on people, the economy, and innovation is interesting, with prioritizing the Sashakt Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 programs. I would also love to observe how one of the 5 objectives of this Budget – Enhancing the spending power of India’s expanding middle class, shapes up. All initiatives must drive our much-needed economic growth”.

 

Akash Agrawal, Co-founder of ZOFF Foods

“We are excited about the growing opportunities presented by the Union Budget 2025, which highlights a dedicated Makhana Board and a renewed focus on boosting Makhana production. At ZOFF Foods, staying relevant is crucial. Currently, a significant part of our business stems from Makhana sales, contributing meaningfully to our overall sales and revenue, alongside our spices business. With increasing consumer demand and government support, we are excited to be at the forefront of this rapidly growing market, delivering high-quality products that not only meet consumer demand but also align with the government’s initiatives. With the government’s support and rising consumption, ZOFF Foods is well-positioned to expand its footprint and play a key role in shaping the future of this thriving industry.”