# FMCG Brands Boost Ads to Combat Inflation and Scrutiny

> FMCG brands ramp up ad spending amid inflation and regulatory pressures to retain consumer trust.
- Title: FMCG Brands Boost Ads to Combat Inflation and Scrutiny
- Summary: FMCG brands ramp up ad spending amid inflation and regulatory pressures to retain consumer trust. Packaged goods companies increased ad spends by 46%…
- Keywords: nestle india, fssai, food inflation, ad spending, packaged goods, regulatory crackdowns, fmcg brands, FMCG, Brands, Boost, Ads, Combat
- Source: The Economic Times — https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/cons-products/fmcg/fmcg-brands-turn-up-the-volume-on-ads-as-costs-and-scrutiny-rise/articleshow/135076153.cms
- Author: Ratna Bhushan
- Published: 2026-10-20T19:17:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nestle india, fssai, food inflation, ad spending, packaged goods, regulatory crackdowns, fmcg brands
## FMCG Brands Increase Ad Spending
Multiple packaged goods makers raised advertising expenditures during July-September to maintain consumer demand amid rising inflation.
## Nestle India Boosts Ads 46% YoY
Nestle India increased ad spends by 46% year-on-year in the September quarter, exceeding its revenue growth rate of 20.5%.
## Regulatory Crackdowns Drive Ad Spends
FSSAI sent over 150 notices to food and beverage companies for misleading claims or labelling violations, prompting brands to reinforce consumer trust.
## Other Brands Follow Suit
PepsiCo, Colgate, Parle, Dabur, Hindustan Unilever, ITC, Britannia, and Coca-Cola plan to sustain ad spending momentum through the next two quarters.
## Ad Spending Focus on Trust
Brands are directing advertising around 'safety and trust' over taste to counter regulatory scrutiny and rising food inflation.
## Festive Ad Spending Surges
Influencer-led festive advertising is projected to reach ₹900 crore in 2026, a 29% increase from the previous year.
## Key takeaway

Packaged goods companies increased ad spends by 46% year-on-year to counter rising food inflation and FSSAI regulatory notices.