Mumbai: Japanese personal care group Unicharm has replaced Procter & Gamble as India's biggest diaper company by sales after its revenues expanded 28% during FY23.
Unicharm’s MamyPoko diaper brand has been challenging the dominance of P&G’S Pampers in several global markets including India.
Revenues of the Indian unit of Unicharm Corporation rose to Rs 3,612 crore in FY23, with the diaper segment accounting for 84%, or Rs 3,022 crore, according to its filing with the Registrar of Companies (RoC). In comparison, P&G’s diaper business clocked Rs 2,422 crore, or about 29% of its total business. To be sure, Unicharm's revenue also includes income from export and other non-revenue incomes and sales deduct treatment is not comparable due to different ways of accounting. Excluding these exceptional income, Unicharm's diaper segment is still bigger but the gap is lower.
Unicharm attributed the growth to a host of factors including design innovation and distribution expansion. Unicharm was the first to launch underwear-shaped diapers in the country and it is launching a new innovation with sheets enriched with coconut extracts in its product to make them more skin-friendly.
“MamyPoko pants" effort to meet consumer needs in terms of absorption and skin friendly products, along with increased distribution penetration each year at urban, metro towns and rural, has helped the company to grow in the last few years,” said Vijay Chaudhary, managing director of Unicharm India.
He said the growth will speed up after its new launch built with advance technology. Nearly a decade ago, Unicharm’s diaper business was roughly half of that of P&G, but it has since grown over 35% annually. Source Link
FAQ's
Q. How did Unicharm become India’s top diaper company?
Ans.Unicharm surpassed P&G in diaper sales by achieving a 28% revenue growth in FY23, driven by product innovation and expanded distribution. Its MamyPoko brand now leads the Indian diaper market, thanks to a focus on skin-friendly technology and deep rural and urban market penetration.
Q. What are Unicharm India’s FY23 revenues from diapers?
Ans.In FY23, Unicharm India's total revenue reached ₹3,612 crore, with diapers contributing ₹3,022 crore—approximately 84% of its overall income. This places its diaper business ahead of P&G’s ₹2,422 crore, making it the category leader in India.
Q. What innovations has Unicharm introduced in diapers?
Ans.Unicharm pioneered underwear-shaped diapers in India and is now launching a new variant with coconut extract-enriched sheets. These innovations aim to improve absorption, comfort, and skin-friendliness, catering to evolving consumer preferences and enhancing the user experience.
Q. Why is MamyPoko popular among Indian parents?
Ans.MamyPoko’s popularity stems from its superior absorption, skin-friendly materials, and affordability. The brand also focuses on comfort and ease of use, with innovative pant-style diapers that suit the needs of both urban and rural parents.
Q. How has Unicharm expanded its diaper distribution?
Ans.Unicharm’s strategic distribution expansion targets metro cities, urban towns, and rural areas. This wide reach, combined with consistent product availability and retailer partnerships, has significantly increased MamyPoko’s visibility and sales across diverse Indian markets.
Q. What impact has design innovation had on Unicharm’s growth?
Ans.Design innovations like pant-style diapers and skin-sensitive materials have differentiated MamyPoko in a competitive market. These advancements meet consumer needs for convenience and safety, contributing heavily to Unicharm’s 35% annual growth over the past decade.
Q. What role does technology play in Unicharm’s diaper products?
Ans.Technology underpins Unicharm’s product evolution, including the use of advanced sheets with coconut extracts for better skin protection. New product launches incorporating such tech help position MamyPoko as a leader in hygiene and comfort for babies.
