Parle-G is more than just a biscuit—it’s a nostalgic part of millions of Indian childhoods and a global phenomenon. Established in 1929 during the Swadeshi movement by Mohanlal Dayal, the brand started as a small factory in Vile Parle, Mumbai, employing just 12 workers. Today, Parle-G is manufactured in multiple countries, including the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, the Middle East, and Australia, proving its massive international appeal.
Originally introduced as “Parle Gluco,” the brand changed its name to Parle-G to distinguish itself from growing competition in the biscuit industry. The ‘G’ initially stood for ‘glucose,’ but over time, the company rebranded it to stand for ‘genius,’ aligning with its slogan. Despite evolving in branding, its taste and classic yellow packaging have remained unchanged.
During the 1980s, Parle-G faced stiff competition from Britannia’s glucose biscuits. To stand out, Parle-G introduced its now-iconic yellow packaging featuring a smiling young girl. Over the years, many speculated about her identity, with names like Sudha Murty, Neeru Deshpande, and Gunjan Gundania being linked to the illustration. However, the brand later clarified that the image was an artistic creation by Maganlal Dahiya of Everest Creative in the 1960s, not based on any real person.
Parle-G’s popularity has only soared over the decades. Even during economic downturns and the COVID-19 pandemic, its sales peaked. A 2011 Nielsen report ranked Parle-G as the world’s top-selling biscuit, outpacing global giants like Oreo and Walmart’s private-label brands. By 2020, Parle-G’s revenue had surpassed ₹8,000 crores, reaffirming its position as an industry leader.
From a modest factory to a global success story, Parle-G continues to win hearts with its affordability, taste, and nostalgic value. Even today, its legacy remains unshaken, proving that some classics never go out of style.
