Why Parle-G is still India’s favourite biscuit? A legacy born during World War II

From humble beginnings in a small Bombay locality to becoming a household name across India, Parle-G's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Founded in 1929 by entrepreneur Mohanlal Dayal, Parle Products started its operations in Vile Parle, a bustling neighbourhood that later lent its name to the iconic brand.

At a time when India was still under British rule, the idea of an indigenous biscuit brand was revolutionary. But the real test came during World War II. Amidst intense global conflict and India’s own freedom struggle, the country faced severe food rationing. Yet, Parle Products rose to the challenge. Through innovative recipes and strategies, the company managed to keep production going. Parle biscuits soon became a wartime staple that was affordable, nutritious, and INDIAN.

Originally known as Parle Gluco, the biscuit underwent a transformation in the 1980s when it was rebranded as Parle-G, the “G” standing for “Genius.” This rebranding came in response to growing competition in the market and helped cement Parle-G’s place in Indian pop culture.

Post-Independence, from the late 1940s to the 1970s, Parle-G sold at just 5 paise per biscuit. The affordability made it a vital snack even for the country’s poorest families. The brand’s nationalistic roots and consistent low pricing made it not just a product, but a symbol of self-reliance.

One of the brand’s enduring strengths has been its packaging, a simple wrapper featuring the face of a young girl, which has sparked decades of speculation about her identity. Contrary to popular belief and widespread theories, the girl was not based on a real person but is, in fact, an illustration created in the 1960s by the talented artist Maganlal Dahiya of Everest Creative. Despite being a fictional character, the design became instantly iconic, fostering deep recognition and trust among consumers across the country, from metropolitan cities to the most remote villages.

With a powerful pricing strategy and massive production volumes, Parle-G successfully reached rural and urban households alike, becoming the most recognisable biscuit brand in India.

Even decades later, the formula remains unchanged: wheat flour, sugar, milk and oil - with no artificial flavours. This unaltered recipe speaks to the brand’s philosophy: “good things never die.”

Parle-G also witnessed a massive resurgence during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020. As panic-buying ensued, consumers flocked to Parle-G for its long shelf life, familiarity, and comfort, reinforcing its status as a staple in Indian households.

From surviving a world war to enduring a global pandemic, Parle-G’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and national pride, making it more than just a biscuit, but a cherished part of India’s cultural fabric.