Neel AcharyIndia’s consumer landscape saw some interesting, yet decisive changes in 2025.It evolved beyond impulse and aspiration towards a space that houses intention, awareness, and long-term value. Buyers across categories, spanning personal care and wellness, apparel, lifestyle and fine jewellery, grew sharper, more informed and far more selective in their choices. Enabled by faster commerce ecosystem, deeper digital discovery, and rising awareness across Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, consumers evaluated products with the same scrutiny they once reserved for health and financial decisions. Against this backdrop, voices from across personal care, fashion, lifestyle and fine jewellery offer a clear view into how this evolved consumer behaviour reshaped decision-making in 2025.
Swagatika Das, Co-founder and CEO, Nat Habit commented,
“This year made one thing very clear: Indian consumers are done with clutter and claims. They want freshness, clarity, and formulations that work. Natural actives surged, and q-commerce erased the Tier 1–Tier 2 divide to a certain extent, in terms of aspiration, spending, and product discovery. Ingredient awareness reached an all-time high, and consumers evaluated beauty choices with the same scrutiny and intention they applied to health choices. In 2026, skinification, scalp science, and clean, transparent processing will define the industry’s next leap.”
Ganesh Sonawane, Co-founder and CEO, Frido
“Serving more than 3 million customers in our journey over the years and earning a 32 percent repeat order rate has been a powerful indicator of the trust that Frido has built across India. Our physical footprint has grown to almost 2 lakh square feet across offices, manufacturing facilities and experience stores, and this scale allows us to design, test and deliver products with even greater precision. As we prepare for the opportunities ahead in 2026, our priority is to push the boundaries of ergonomic innovation and bring world class comfort solutions even closer to the people who need them. We are investing deeply in research, design capabilities and customer experience so that Frido can play a meaningful role in improving mobility, reducing discomfort and elevating the quality of life for millions more.”
Sumit Arora, President Apparel, Fabindia Ltd, Fabindia
“In 2025, we saw a remarkable shift in how consumers approached both fashion and home. Shoppers became far more intentional; curating looks, spaces, and gifts that told a story. In apparel, people embraced ceremony-wise styling, choosing natural fabrics, rich textures, and handcrafted details that balanced comfort with elevated elegance. There was a clear move toward mixing traditional craft with modern silhouettes, and families increasingly opted for coordinated dressing that felt personal and cohesive.
At home, preferences leaned toward pieces that brought warmth and artisanal character, with handcrafted décor and thoughtful wedding gifts gaining strong traction. Consumers gravitated to design-led items that felt meaningful, not seasonal.
Across categories, the biggest shift was mindset. Style, décor, and gifting were no longer transactional; they became expressions of individuality and intention. 2025 was the year customers chose craft with purpose, blending tradition and contemporary living in a way that felt deeply their own.” said Sumit Arora, President Apparel, Fabindia Ltd. “
Ricky Vasandani, CEO and Co-founder, Solitario
“2025 has been a transformative year for the jewelry industry, with consumers clearly moving towards thoughtful, value-driven luxury. There is a growing preference for jewelry that feels personal, meaningful, and versatile enough for everyday wear. Lab-grown diamonds have seen the strongest momentum, driven by their transparency, modern design sensibility, sustainability, and greater affordability. This shift is especially pronounced among younger buyers who want responsible choices without compromising style or quality. As we move into 2026, the brands that will lead are those that combine strong craftsmanship, relevant design, and a clear understanding of evolving consumer expectations.”
Team Ed-a-Mamma said,
“The kids and maternity clothing category is increasingly being shaped by a more conscious consumer – parents who are asking where products come from, how they are made, and the values they represent. This shift is moving sustainability from a differentiator to a baseline expectation across family-focused categories. At Ed-a-Mamma, this is reflected in the strength of our business momentum, with the brand doubling its revenue while accelerating retail expansion, signalling growing trust in our conscious-first approach.
As we look ahead to 2026, the focus will be on deepening our commitment to conscious living for families. Our priorities are centred on strengthening material and design innovation, reinforcing responsible sourcing practices, and building a more holistic, future-ready ecosystem that supports children’s everyday needs. As the industry evolves, our intent is to help shape the next phase of sustainable family brands in India – thoughtfully and responsibly.”
Mr. S. V. V. Dora Reddy, Co-Founder, Abhi Foods said,
“2025 has seen a noticeable shift in how consumers evaluate everyday nutrition, with greater emphasis on quality, sourcing, and responsible production practices across staples such as dairy, eggs, and other daily food choices. There is growing awareness of the long-term impact of what people consume, driving demand for cleaner inputs, transparency, and consistency. As per recent reports, this shift is reflected in the rapid growth of India’s food service market, which is estimated at USD 78 billion in 2025 and is expected to cross USD 125 billion by 2030, with the organized segment expected to drive over 60 percent of overall growth and overtake the unorganized sector. As we move into 2026, the focus will increasingly be on disciplined farm management, scientific practices, and a preventive mindset that prioritizes clean environments, balanced nutrition, and strong biosecurity, supporting safer and more responsible food product.”
As brands responded with innovation rooted in trust, craftsmanship, and purpose, 2025 emerged as a defining year one that set the foundation for a more conscious, design-driven, and value-aligned consumption journey heading into 2026.
