An emblem of simplicity and nostalgia, Parle-G biscuits are akin to a universal language of comfort within Indian households. This humbly-packaged delight has managed to traverse the socioeconomic gradients, embedding itself within the lives of the prosperous and the impoverished alike, finding its way into the hands of city-dwellers and villagers across India. Parle-G has not only played a pivotal role in millions of daily tea rituals within the country but has also reached international shores, where its distinct taste has amassed a following in places as far-flung as the United States.
The journey of this biscuit began back before World War II in an antiquated factory located in Mumbai’s Ville Parle district. It was here in 1929 that Mohanlal Dayal took on the endeavor to repurpose this factory and launched it as a confectionery factory. Within a decade, in 1938, Parle products began their maiden biscuit-making venture with the introduction of Parle-Gloco.
India’s road to independence brought with it a multitude of national changes, one of which was a dire shortage of wheat. This national crisis led to a temporary cessation of Parle-G biscuit production. Previously known as ‘Gluco’ biscuits, Parle-G had to reinvent itself post-independence. In an era marked by fierce competition, most notably from Britannia’s Glucose-D biscuits, Parle-G was reborn—a new identity to signal its resilience and commitment to its consumers.
The ‘G’ in Parle-G, initially associated with ‘Glucose’, took on a different connotation over time. By the year 2000, Parle-G was being marketed with the clever slogan ‘G for Genius’, which created a lasting imprint of the brand as a smart choice for consumers. However, regardless of its branding changes, the core product remained unchanged—a testament to its inherent appeal.
Now, let us turn our attention to the economic footprint of this biscuit beyond the Indian border. While a 65g pack of Parle-G biscuits in India comes at the modest price of 5 rupees, the narrative changes considerably when it crosses into international markets. A similar pack in the United States, adjusted slightly in weight to 56.5g, can be purchased for around $1, equaling nearly 10 rupees—a steep increase in price when adjusted for currency and weight. In Pakistan, the economic portrait is quite different due to its unique set of financial challenges. A pack that would set an Indian consumer back by Rs 5 is sold for about Rs 50 in Pakistan. And as per the Grocer App website, a slightly larger 79g pack of Parle-G biscuits in Pakistan commands a price of Rs 20.
It’s clear from these comparisons that Parle-G biscuits bear a heftier price tag abroad, suggesting that these biscuits are seen as more of a luxury or imported good outside of India. However, the pricing differential does not seem to deter its growing popularity among international consumers who yearn for a taste of India’s cherished snack.
This beloved biscuit has come a long way from its modest beginnings. Its cross-border appeal is evidence of its timeless taste and emotional connect with the masses. Despite its higher price point outside its home market, Parle-G has successfully retained its identity as a source of affordable indulgence, proving that the simplest joys of life often have the power to transcend boundaries. The enduring saga of Parle-G, from its birth in a Mumbai factory to its place in global pantries, is a narrative that continues to evolve, and yet, some things—like the taste of a Parle-G biscuit dipped in tea—remain quintessentially unchanged.
