The report says AI adoption, governance reforms and changing consumer preferences are transforming India’s FMCG, retail and e-commerce sectors, with e-commerce projected to touch $260 billion and quick commerce $50 billion by 2030.
India’s consumer economy is expected to approach US$1.9 trillion by 2030, driven by rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), digital commerce, evolving consumer expectations and stronger governance frameworks, according to a new report released by Deloitte India and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
The report, Consumer Trends IGNITEing Growth and Governance, highlights how India’s FMCG, retail and e-commerce sectors are entering a new phase where AI-enabled operations, connected commerce ecosystems and regulatory predictability will increasingly determine business competitiveness.
According to the report, growth and governance are becoming increasingly interconnected, with businesses expected to place greater emphasis on transparency, digital trust and compliance as strategic differentiators rather than regulatory obligations.
AI and digital commerce drive the next phase of growth
The report identifies AI as one of the biggest catalysts for the consumer sector, noting that India ranks first among the world’s top 15 countries in AI adoption. Companies are increasingly deploying AI across customer engagement, product development, demand forecasting and supply chain management to improve productivity and business outcomes.
It also projects India’s e-commerce market to nearly US$260 billion by 2030, while the quick commerce segment is expected to expand to US$50 billion, reflecting changing shopping habits centred around speed, convenience and personalised experiences.
The report notes that the convergence of retail, e-commerce and quick commerce, supported by AI, is reshaping how consumers discover, evaluate and purchase products while creating new opportunities for brands to engage customers.
Consumers prioritise transparency over price
The study points to the emergence of a “new Indian consumer,” whose purchase decisions are increasingly influenced by transparency, health and product information rather than price alone.
According to the report:
- 74% of consumers review ingredient or nutritional information before making purchases.
- 63% choose products based on formulations and ingredients.
- 52% have switched brands for better health and transparency credentials.
Additionally, 67% of consumers consider sustainability while making purchasing decisions, prompting companies to integrate environmental and governance priorities into their long-term business strategies.
Supply chains shift from efficiency to resilience
The report says businesses are redesigning supply chains to improve resilience amid demand volatility, geopolitical uncertainties and climate-related disruptions.
Companies are increasingly investing in intelligent planning, AI-enabled forecasting and diversified sourcing strategies instead of relying solely on cost efficiencies. The expansion of omnichannel retail, creator-led commerce and quick commerce is also blurring traditional retail channels.
Governance becomes a business priority
The report argues that governance is becoming central to business strategy as companies navigate evolving regulations around AI governance, data privacy, product quality, sustainability and consumer protection.
It adds that continued improvements in Ease of Doing Business and closer collaboration between industry and policymakers will be essential to sustain innovation and long-term investment in India’s consumer economy.
Indian brands expand global ambitions
The report also highlights growing international opportunities for Indian consumer brands, supported by stronger manufacturing capabilities, cross-border commerce and India’s ambition to achieve US$200 billion in e-commerce exports by 2030.
Commenting on the findings, Anand Ramanathan, Partner and Consumer Industry Leader at Deloitte India, said businesses that effectively leverage AI, build resilient operations and create differentiated consumer experiences will be better positioned to benefit from the country’s expanding consumer market, while regulatory certainty and digital trust will remain key enablers of innovation and investment.
