The second edition of the India D2C Summit & Awards 2023 (D2C 2023) commenced today, featuring a keynote address by Mohit Rana, Partner at Redseer. Rana shed light on the rapidly growing landscape, with 9,000 brands currently operating and a projected revenue of $25 billion in the coming years.
In his address, Rana emphasized India’s remarkable digital development, positioning it as one of the most advanced nations in terms of technology adoption. He highlighted the exponential growth of D2C brands, which has experienced a staggering 60% increase since 2015, a time when D2C as a market segment barely existed. The surge in online sales has fueled this growth, propelling D2C brands to thrive in the Indian market.
The summit also witnessed an engaging discussion on harnessing data points for D2C brands, enabling them to make informed business decisions.
BS Nagesh, Founder of TRRAIN and Chairman of Shoppers Stop, hosted a session on the Future of FMCG & Consumer Brands in Digital-First India. B S Nagesh emphasized the critical role of customer centricity, stating that even if a product is meticulously designed, it holds little value if it does not cater to the needs of the customer. Ashima Aggarwal, E-Commerce Business Head at Bajaj Consumer Care, highlighted the robust growth in the FMCG sector, particularly in the rural hair oil business. She shared further insights on the evolving mindset within FMCG, where customized business models and technological advancements are being embraced despite inflation. Swati Dayani, CTO, Cipla stressed on the importance of credibility, reliability, intimacy, and self-orientation. Deepti Naithani, Director – D2C Business at Tata Consumer Products, shared the effectiveness of word-of-mouth and testimonials for D2C brands. The D2C segment currently accounts for 20% of e-commerce, and it is projected to grow to 40%.
The first segment of the Summit also witnessed the release of the book ‘D2C Evolve’, launched by Dhruv Thakkar, Senior Director – Business Development, DHL Supply Chain, India. ‘Evolve’ details the struggles and success stories of some noteworthy D2C brands in India’s dynamic D2C landscape.
Vikram Gupta, the Founder and Managing Director of IvyCap Ventures, took the stage to discuss the current landscape of working capital in India and shed light on the emerging trends in the market. In terms of market potential, he expressed that the D2C sector is still in its early stages of development, stating that we are merely scratching the surface. He projected a massive growth trajectory, with the market expected to reach $60 billion in the coming years, up from its current value of $12 billion. Additionally, Gupta mentioned that e-commerce penetration is expected to grow from 8% to 15%. D2C brands are effectively capturing the Tier 2 and 3 markets, presenting a significant opportunity for businesses to capitalise on this emerging segment.
During a panel discussion ‘How Brands are Gearing up for the Next Phase of Consumption’ Satish Singh, Founder & CEO of Joker & Witch, highlighted an interesting insight, stating that happy customers are often too busy to leave reviews, while irate customers will go out of their way to share their feedback. According to Aparna Thyagarajan, Co-founder & CPO of Shobita, the success of a brand hinges on five key factors: global selection, authenticity, value added services, customer care, and quality. She highlighted how building a strong brand requires an obsession with customer satisfaction. By focusing on these essential elements, brands can create a winning formula for long-term success in the market.
During the event, Aashish Batra, Co-founder of myPAPERCLIP, underscored the significance of grasping the evolving consumer mindset, which now revolves around aspirational goals. He urged businesses to aim for the “wow factor” in their offerings, and the need to provide extraordinary experiences to customers.
In an era of rapid digital transformation and changing consumer preferences, brands are gearing up for the next phase of consumption. With the Indian Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) market witnessing exponential growth, estimated at over $100 billion with 800+ brands, it is crucial to understand the future of targeting millennial customers and building a thriving ecosystem for retailers. Anand Shankar, Vice President of Sharrp Ventures, delved deep into these topics, exploring the strategies and innovations necessary for brands to succeed in this evolving landscape. This insightful discussion shed light on the dynamic nature of the D2C market and the opportunities it presents for forward-thinking retailers.
About IMAGES India D2C Summit & Awards:
IMAGES India D2C Summit & Awards is an annual event dedicated to promoting and supporting the growth of direct-to-consumer (D2C) businesses in India. Through insightful sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, the summit aims to equip entrepreneurs and professionals with the knowledge and strategies needed to build, operate, and scale profitable D2C enterprises. The event also recognizes and celebrates the achievements of outstanding D2C brands through the India D2C Awards.
About the IMAGES Group:
Established in 1992, IMAGES Group is India’s most prolific and influential disseminator of retail intelligence. Recognised by Indian and international retail communities through its B2B Magazines, Conferences, Exhibitions, Research Reports and Web Portals, the IMAGES Group is the largest retail intelligence organization in South Asia and the Middle East, whose multiple products and services function as catalysts for the profitable growth of modern retail through knowledge platform leadership. The Group’s knowledge platforms include print and online reportage, research studies, and major annual business events with Conferences, Master-Classes and Workshops serving multiple verticals/segments/operations of retail. The mega industry events include: India Food Forum, India Fashion Forum, Phygital Retail Convention, Internet Commerce Summit, India D2C Summit and the Middle East Retail Forum.
