India's FMCG majors split on headcount as automation reshapes staffing
HUL and Dabur trimmed permanent staff (HUL to 5,898 from 6,604; Dabur to 4,770 from 5,343) while Nestle, Marico and Tata Consumer added employees in FY26. Median pay hikes ranged 6.08% to 12.1%, with TCPL leading and HUL trailing as automation spreads.
India's top FMCG firms show mixed FY26 headcount trends as automation spreads: HUL and Dabur trimmed permanent staff while Nestle, Marico and Tata Consumer added employees. Median pay hikes ranged 6.08% to 12.1%, with TCPL leading and HUL trailing.
Why this matters
Follows HUL and Dabur's FY26 headcount trims tied to automation and AI-led efficiency, part of a broader FMCG push into premium and functional beverages amid rising cost discipline.
Retail-company signals accelerating at +732800% QoQ as automation reshapes FMCG workforce strategy.