Parle-G, a humble biscuit, has become an iconic symbol of childhood memories for generations of Indians. Despite its simple appearance, the brand has a rich history and has managed to maintain its popularity not only in India but also internationally, with manufacturing units in six countries, including the US, UK, and Australia. The brand’s impact on the Indian market is significant, with sales peaking even during the COVID-19 pandemic when other companies were struggling.
The origins of Parle-G date back to 1929, when Mohanlal Dayal from the Chauhan family set up a factory in Vile Parle, Mumbai, with just 12 workers and a German-imported machine. Initially, the biscuit was called “Parle Gluco,” but the name was later changed to Parle-G to keep up with the competition. The “G” in Parle-G originally stood for “glucose,” but was later changed to “genius” to reflect the company’s brand slogan.
One of the most recognizable features of Parle-G is its yellow packaging, which features an illustration of a young girl. The identity of the Parle-G girl has been a topic of fascination for many, with some speculating that she was based on a real person, such as Infosys chairperson Sudha Murty or Neeru Deshpande. However, according to Mayank Shah, the group product manager of Parle-G, the girl depicted on the packaging is actually an illustration created by artist Maganlal Dahiya in the 1960s.
Parle-G’s popularity can be attributed to its consistent taste and packaging, which has remained unchanged over the years. Despite facing competition from other brands, such as Britannia, Parle-G has managed to maintain its leadership in the market. In fact, according to a Nielsen report in 2011, Parle-G has established itself as the leading biscuit brand globally, surpassing other popular brands like Oreo and Gamesa. The brand’s sales have continued to rise, reaching an impressive 8,000 crores during the 2018-2020 period. Today, Parle-G remains an integral part of Indian culture and a symbol of nostalgia for many, continuing to be a favorite among both children and adults alike.