The overall hiring intent for freshers touched 32% in the second half of 2024, up from 27% in the first half of the year.
New Delhi: TeamLease EdTech Career Outlook Report HY2 (July – December 2024) reported a sharp rise in demand for fresh talent in the FMCG, with hiring intent for freshers reaching 32% in the second half of 2024, up from 27% in the first half of the year. This increase is propelled by a deeper market penetration into rural and semi-urban markets on the back of rapid growth of India’s food processing industry, projected to double from USD 263 billion in 2019-20 to USD 535 billion by 2025-26, with a CAGR of 12.6%. Key product segments like dairy, RTE (Ready-to-Eat) foods, frozen meat, and snacks are creating job roles in supply chain and market research.
FMCG companies are prioritizing freshers with skills in market insights, retail distribution, and regional consumer understanding as they expand into untapped areas. Food Engineer roles are projected to have a hiring intent of 41% in Bangalore, while Logistics Coordinators show a hiring intent of 39% in Delhi. Additionally, the demand for Supply and Distribution Chain positions in Hyderabad is 37%, and Brand Management Trainees have a hiring intent of 34% in Bangalore. Each role demands a blend of technical knowledge in supply chain, inventory, and logistics management, along with adaptability and strong communication skills to navigate diverse regional markets.
Shantanu Rooj, Founder and CEO, TeamLease Edtech said “The rise in demand for fresh talent in FMCG can clearly be attributed to deeper expansion in rural and semi-urban markets, fueled by the rapid growth of India’s food processing industry. As companies focus on strengthening supply chains, market research, and brand management, the demand for talent is expected to be high. Freshers now investing in related skills and expertise definitely stand to benefit from it.”
To effectively tap the job market, freshers can pursue key certifications, namely Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified Logistics Associate (CLA), Brand Management/ Digital Marketing, Logistics and Supply Chain Management (CPSM), etc. Candidates equipped with these skills and credentials are well-positioned to meet the sector’s needs, especially as companies increasingly focus on roles managing product distribution, brand creation, and logistics for new and expanding markets.
This sectoral hiring trend reflects FMCG’s role as a significant employment driver in India, with continued growth anticipated in fresh talent demand across key cities and expanding regional markets. The survey covers 526 small, medium, and large companies across 18 industries across India. The coverage is spread across 14 geographical areas [metros, tier-1, & tier-2], reflecting the hiring sentiment.