Dabur bets on digital first brands as premium push gathers pace

MUMBAI: Old roots, new shoots. Dabur is proving that a 140-year-old FMCG giant can still rewrite its playbook for the digital age. The company is doubling down on digital-first brands, premiumisation and strategic investments while continuing to draw strength from its portfolio of heritage products, according to its FY26 Annual Report.

Dabur now has 23 brands in its Rs 100 crore portfolio spanning healthcare, personal care and foods. Leading the pack is Real, which has crossed the Rs 1,500 crore revenue milestone, while flagship brands such as Red Paste, Vatika and Dabur Amla each contribute between Rs 1,000 crore and Rs 1,500 crore in annual revenue. Other long-standing brands including Hajmola, Odomos and Honitus continue to anchor the company’s growth.

At the same time, the FMCG major is expanding its digital-first portfolio to cater to consumers who increasingly discover, compare and purchase products online.

“This digital-first launch not only reinforces our premiumisation strategy but also enables us to engage directly with discerning consumers seeking authenticity, quality and trusted wellness in everyday nutrition,” the company said in the report.

As part of its premiumisation drive, Dabur entered the ghee segment during FY26 with the launch of A2 Cow Ghee, broadening its presence in the fast-growing premium food category. The company is also looking beyond organic growth. During FY26, it launched Dabur Ventures, a Rs 500 crore investment platform focused on backing high-potential digital-first and new-age consumer brands. It also invested Rs 60 crore to acquire a minority stake in luxury direct-to-consumer skincare company RAS Beauty, signalling a stronger push into emerging premium categories.

Dabur chairman Mohit Burman said the company’s long-term strength continues to lie in its established brands while adapting to changing consumer preferences. “Our resilience is anchored in the enduring strength of our heritage brands, the increasing relevance of our natural product portfolio, and our deep connection with consumers across urban and rural India,” Burman said in the report.

To strengthen its technology capabilities, Dabur has expanded its IT Global Capability Centre (GCC) and is setting up a dedicated Digital Marketing GCC to enhance consumer engagement through marketing technology, artificial intelligence-led insights and data-driven execution.

Looking ahead, Burman said Dabur will continue to strengthen its core brands, accelerate innovation and premiumisation through e-commerce and quick commerce channels, while pursuing mergers and acquisitions to diversify its portfolio further.

The strategy comes against the backdrop of a steady financial performance in FY26. Dabur reported revenue from operations of Rs 13,193 crore, up 5 per cent from Rs 12,563 crore in FY25. Operating profit rose 5.9 per cent year-on-year to Rs 2,452 crore, while profit after tax increased 7.1 per cent to Rs 1,875 crore, compared with Rs 1,768 crore a year earlier.

Its international business also delivered a strong showing, recording 8.5 per cent growth in rupee terms, further boosting the company’s overall performance as Dabur balances the trust of legacy brands with the opportunities of a digital-first future.