The way of working in India’s big Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies is changing rapidly. Companies are increasing the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation and digital technologies to increase production, reduce costs and make work faster. Its effect is now clearly visible on the number of employees also. According to the annual report for the financial year 2025-26, some big companies have reduced the number of their permanent employees, while some companies have also made new recruitments.
According to the annual report, Hindustan Unilever (HUL) and Dabur India have reduced the number of their permanent employees. Whereas companies like Nestle India, Marico and Tata Consumer Products have increased the number of employees. However, one thing remained common in almost all the companies that they have also increased the salaries of the employees.
Number of employees decreased in HUL and Dabur
In HUL, one of the country’s largest FMCG companies, the number of permanent employees has declined to 5,898 by March 31, 2026, whereas the number was 6,604 a year ago. This means that more than 700 employees were reduced from the company’s payroll. Similarly, the number of employees in Dabur India also reduced. The number of permanent employees in the company decreased from 5,343 to 4,770. However, despite the reduced number of employees, the company continued to increase salaries. HUL increased the average salary of employees by 6.08%, while Dabur gave a salary increase of 7.7%.
These companies increased recruitment
On the other hand, some companies increased the number of employees with the expansion of their business. The total number of employees in Nestle increased from 8,629 to 8,680. However, a slight decrease was recorded in the number of permanent employees. Marico also made new recruitments and the number of its permanent employees increased from 1,908 to 1,983. Tata Consumer Products recruited the most. The number of permanent employees of the company increased from 4,079 to 4,558.
Why is the need for employees decreasing?
Experts believe that FMCG companies are now rapidly adopting new technologies in their business. The use of automatic machines is increasing in factories. Many tasks in warehouses, supply chain, packaging and back-office are now being done with the help of digital systems and AI. Apart from this, companies are using technologies like AI based data analytics, automated packaging line, ERP system and digital supply chain management. Due to this, even with less employees, more production and better operation is possible than before.
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