India Sees Double-Digit Growth for Reckitt in Q1, Driven by Strong Performance from Dettol and Durex

Reckitt's India Business Reports Double-Digit Growth in Q1 2026

British fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) major Reckitt's India business has reported a double-digit growth in the first quarter of 2026, driven by strong growth of its key brands, including Dettol, Durex, and expansion in the coverage area.

Reckitt's India business was led by two of its key brands, Dettol in the Germ Protection segment and Durex in Intimate Wellness, which both reported double-digit growth in the quarter. At the group level, Reckitt's net revenue stood at 3.24 billion pounds, with a like-for-like (LFL) growth of 0.6 per cent in Q1 2026. The company's volume growth was 2 per cent.

The quarter was impacted by low seasonal incidence, weak categories in Europe, and geopolitical disruption, according to Reckitt's earnings statement. However, the company's 'Core Reckitt', which houses its 11 high-growth Powerbrands, reported a net revenue growth of 1.3 per cent in the first quarter, driven by emerging markets.

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Key Growth Figures

The growth in Core Reckitt was led by emerging markets, with double-digit growth in China and India, and mid-single-digit growth in non-seasonal brands in North America. Reckitt's net revenue from emerging markets, which includes high-growth developing regions such as India, China, LATAM, Vietnam, and Indonesia, grew 7.6 per cent on a LFL basis in Q1 2026 to 1.09 billion pounds, with 0.5 per cent volume growth and 7.1 per cent price/mix improvement.

In India, Reckitt's business delivered double-digit growth in Q1 2026, led by strong growth in Germ Protection (Dettol), Intimate Wellness (Durex), and Household Care (Finish) categories. The company's ongoing sales transformation drove expanded coverage, enhancing execution.

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Emerging markets also contributed 42 per cent of Core Reckitt's Q1 2026 net revenues, according to the company's earnings statement. Core Reckitt includes 11 high-growth and high-margin brands, including Dettol, Lysol, Durex, and Harpic, operating in hygiene, health, and nutrition categories.

Reckitt has maintained its LFL net revenue guidance and expects continued strong growth across China and India, among others. The company's Chief Executive Officer, Kris Licht, stated that the growth will be driven by sequential growth from market-leading Powerbrands, as the season resets and the company continues to launch superior innovations.

The company's outlook for the future is positive, with expectations of continued strong growth across key markets.