Overview
During the "Resetting Brand India" panel at GoaFest 2026, Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director of Perfetti Van Melle India, called for a strategic shift from volume‑driven competition to value creation for Indian brands. He argued that the next growth chapter for India will be powered by innovation, premiumisation and sustained long‑term investment in research and development, rather than solely by affordability.
Regulatory and Policy Context
Sharma referenced recent reforms such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the new labour codes, stating that these have strengthened dialogue between industry and government and created a more collaborative environment for business. He emphasized that enduring partnerships, confidence in premium offerings and a shared ambition to compete globally are essential to build globally admired Indian brands.
Panel Composition and Discussion Themes
The discussion was moderated by Padmaja Joshi, Managing Editor of NDTV. Alongside Sharma, the panel featured Padma Shri Prasoon Joshi, Chairman of Omnicom Advertising India and Chairman of Prasar Bharati, and Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Chairman of the Paheli India Foundation and former Vice‑Chairman of NITI Aayog. Prasoon Joshi spoke about India’s growing cultural self‑belief and authentic storytelling, while Dr. Kumar underscored the need for globally ambitious businesses, entrepreneurship and stronger alliances among industry, academia and think‑tanks to drive innovation and global competitiveness.
Company Background and Capabilities
Perfetti Van Melle India Pvt. Ltd., a fully owned subsidiary of the Amsterdam‑headquartered Perfetti Van Melle group, began Indian operations in 1994. It is a market leader in the confectionery space, offering a diverse portfolio that includes candies, jellies, gums and chewies. Its power brands—Center Fresh, Centerfruit, Alpenliebe, Happydent, Mentos, Alpenliebe Juzt Jelly and Chupa Chups—continue to engage consumers through category expansion, new variants, flavours, promotions and high‑impact advertising campaigns.
The company’s distribution network reaches approximately 6 million outlets across India, supported by manufacturing facilities in Manesar (Haryana), Rudrapur (Uttarakhand) and Karanaipuducherry (Chennai). Perfetti Van Melle India also commits to sustainability through four focus areas: education, skilling, water conservation and environmental protection.
Closing Remarks
Sharma concluded that while India has achieved extraordinary growth by making products affordable and accessible at scale, the future requires moving beyond today’s affordability constraints to create products and brands that consumers aspire to own. He reiterated Perfetti Van Melle India’s dedication to consumer‑centric innovation, culturally relevant branding and ongoing dialogue with the government to shape the future of Brand India.