How Gender and Ethnic Diversity Are Redefining Career Opportunities in FMCG in FY 2025

As India progresses toward becoming a global economic leader, diversity and inclusion are driving growth, particularly in the FMCG sector. The India Decoding Jobs 2025 report highlights how gender and ethnic diversity are shaping career opportunities in FMCG, reflecting broader trends in India’s job market.

The FMCG industry is witnessing rapid growth, driven by innovations in e-commerce and increasing penetration into semi-urban and rural areas. Food and beverages account for over 19% of the market, while personal care and household products dominate with more than 50%. The industry is undergoing a transformation in its approach to talent.

A rising focus on gender and ethnic diversity is reshaping how they attract, retain, and nurture talent across all levels of the organization.

In addition to these shifts in talent acquisition, the changing landscape of employment within the sector is also becoming more apparent. Gig workers, crucial for last-mile delivery, warehousing, and logistics, highlight the changing employment dynamics in the sector.

To improve their innovation quotient and address challenges like labor shortages and evolving market demands, companies are investing in a more diverse workforce. The push for diversity is no longer just a moral imperative, but a strategic advantage in a competitive market.

Despite growing emphasis on diversity, the FMCG sector faces hurdles in attracting a diverse talent pool. Women represent only 13% of the workforce, with just 18% in leadership roles. Ethnic diversity also remains underdeveloped, reflecting broader societal challenges.

However, leading companies are taking bold steps to bridge this gap. Procter & Gamble (P&G) exemplifies best practices with its commitment to equal representation in management roles, achieving a 50:50 gender split. This trend is gaining momentum, with many organizations setting measurable diversity targets and investing in outreach programs to build an inclusive workforce.

The Decoding Jobs 2025 report delves deeper into these initiatives, offering insights into how companies are transforming their hiring practices to foster diversity. From gender outreach programs to ethnic inclusion strategies, the report highlights actionable steps for organizations.

As the sector evolves, the focus on diversity and innovation is shaping the demand for new roles that align with changing market dynamics.

• Women represent 13% of the workforce and hold 18% of corporate leadership roles in the sector.
• Leading companies like P&G have implemented initiatives to enhance gender diversity, with a commitment to achieving a 50% female-to-male ratio in management roles.
• Companies are still refining effective recruitment strategies to build a genuinely inclusive workforce, from entry-level to C-suite roles, which requires time and resources.

The hiring intent in the FMCG sector remains stable at 10% for FY 2026, reflecting sustained demand for skilled talent. Key trends include:

• Experienced Professionals Preferred: Hires with 1-5 years of experience are projected to account for 57% of recruitment.
• Shift in Employment Models: Permanent roles now constitute 70% of the workforce, down from 95%, indicating a move toward more flexible hiring practices.
• Expansion into Tier-2 Cities: Talent acquisition efforts are increasingly focused on cities like Jaipur and Indore, enhancing market reach and operational efficiency.

These trends highlight the sector’s dynamic approach to workforce planning, integrating diversity and flexibility. The report offers detailed data on these patterns, making it an invaluable resource for stakeholders.

The FMCG sector is at a pivotal moment, where embracing diversity is not just about equity but also about unlocking potential. As the market evolves and consumer preferences shift, a diverse workforce enables companies to be more innovative and responsive to changing demands. By fostering an inclusive environment, businesses are better equipped to tackle challenges, improve decision-making, and enhance brand relevance.

Download our India Decoding Jobs Report 2025 today.

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