Mystery of Parle-G Girl: Sudha Murty Connection & Biscuit's Rs 8000 Crore Success

Parle-G: From Humble Beginnings to Global Icon

Parle-G is not just a biscuit; it's a cultural icon in India, woven deeply into the fabric of everyday life. Loved by generations, it has evolved from a local snack to a global phenomenon. With annual sales surpassing Rs 8,000 crore, Parle-G proudly holds the title of the world's best-selling biscuit. Its journey, from a small factory in Mumbai to international fame, serves as a source of inspiration for entrepreneurs worldwide.

The Origins of Parle-G

The story of Parle-G began in 1929 when Mohanlal Dayal Chauhan established the first Parle factory in Vile Parle, Mumbai. Inspired by the Swadeshi movement, Chauhan set up the factory with just 12 workers and machinery imported from Germany at a cost of Rs 60,000. Initially, the company focused on confectionery, but it wasn’t long before they began experimenting with biscuits.

In 1938, Parle introduced its first biscuit, Parle Gluco, aimed at being both affordable and nutritious. The biscuit quickly became a staple in Indian homes, earning its place as a household favorite.

The Birth of Parle-G

For almost fifty years, Parle Gluco led the Indian biscuit market. However, as the 1980s brought in increased competition from brands like Britannia, Parle saw the need to differentiate itself. In 1985, Parle Gluco was rebranded as Parle-G, with the "G" originally standing for glucose. Over time, it evolved to stand for "Genius," symbolizing the biscuit's role in fueling generations of smart, hardworking Indians.

The Mystery of the Parle-G Girl

The face of Parle-G, the charming little girl on its wrapper, has been the subject of much speculation. Over the years, rumors circulated that she was based on a real person. Some claimed she was Sudha Murthy, the chairperson of Infosys Foundation; others thought she might be Neeru Deshpande or Gunjan Gundania.

However, Mayank Shah, Group Product Manager at Parle, cleared up the mystery. The girl was not based on any real individual. She was an illustration created in the 1960s by Maganlal Dahiya, an artist from Everest Creative. This revelation put an end to the rumors and clarified the Parle-G girl’s iconic status.

Parle-G’s Global Success

Despite facing fierce competition, Parle-G continues to dominate the biscuit market. In 2013, it became the first Indian FMCG brand to cross Rs 5,000 crore in retail sales. Its popularity isn’t just limited to India; Parle-G is a hit internationally, outselling local brands in markets like China.

A 2011 Nielsen report showed that Parle-G outsold global giants like Oreo, Mexico’s Gamesa, and Walmart’s private-label biscuits, making it the world’s best-selling biscuit. From 2018 to 2020, its revenue surged to Rs 8,000 crore, cementing its place as a global powerhouse.

In fact, the number of Parle-G biscuits produced in just one month could stretch all the way to the moon and back. With manufacturing facilities across the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, the Middle East, and Australia, Parle-G is a global brand with an indomitable presence.