Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) hosted its Capital Markets Day 2026, presenting its ‘Winning in New India’ strategy focused on leveraging structural shifts for FMCG growth. The company detailed its plans to unlock competitive volume-led growth through consumption, premiumisation, market making, and new spaces, underpinned by its value creation model and enablers like AI and desirable brands. Key segments like Home Care, Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care, and Foods were highlighted with their respective growth drivers and strategic priorities.
HUL Presents ‘Winning in New India’ Strategy
Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) convened its Capital Markets Day on September 4, 2026, to articulate its strategic vision for sustained growth in the Indian market. The core of the strategy, titled ‘Winning in New India’, is designed to capitalize on the significant structural shifts occurring within the Indian economy and consumer landscape to drive competitive volume-led growth.
Key Pillars of the Strategy
HUL’s growth strategy is built upon four key pillars: Consumption (driving more usage), Premiumisation (offering more benefits), Market Making (attracting more users), and New Spaces (expanding into more categories). These pillars are supported by critical enablers including Crafting Desirable Brands, a future-fit Go-to-Market approach, and leveraging AI as a Moat.
Value Creation Model and Enablers
The company’s Value Creation Model is centered around four stages: Generate Fuel for Growth, Deploy Fuel for Growth, Step-up Capital for Growth, and Deliver Volume-led Profit Growth. This model is deeply rooted in creating enduring value through ESG principles and is underpinned by a strong foundation of talent, culture, and commitment to sustainability.
Segmental Performance and Outlook
The presentation provided insights into the performance and future outlook of HUL’s key business segments:
- Home Care: Positioned as a scale business with a solid track record, Home Care aims for growth through consumption, premiumisation, and format upgradation. Key brands like Surf excel, Wheel, Rin, Vim, and Comfort were featured.
- Beauty & Wellbeing: HUL highlighted its position as the #1 Beauty company in India, with a focus on capturing growth across two distinct consumer segments (‘Power Spenders + Premiumisers’ and ‘Democratiser’) and building masstige & wellbeing businesses. Iconic brands such as Dove, Lakmé, Pond’s, and Vaseline were discussed.
- Personal Care: This segment is focused on radical portfolio transformation, leading disruption, and building desire. Growth drivers include consumption, premiumisation, market making, and new spaces, with key brands like Dove, Pears, Lux, Close-up, and Lifebuoy showcased.
- Foods: HUL’s Foods business is characterized by industry-leading profitability and significant headroom for growth. The strategy involves reimagining the portfolio, including brands like Horlicks, Kissan, and Brooke Bond, and focusing on key beverage categories like Tea and Coffee.
Financial and Strategic Highlights
HUL emphasized its commitment to shareholder value through a robust capital allocation framework that includes stepping up productive capex investments, investing in portfolio reshaping, and consistent dividend payouts. The company also detailed its best-in-class ESG practices across environmental impact, social impact, and governance standards, reinforcing its commitment to responsible and sustainable growth.
The Capital Markets Day underscored HUL’s strategic intent to decisively win in distinct growth pockets within India, leveraging its iconic portfolio and a proven market-making playbook to unlock opportunities at scale.
Source: BSE
