Industry leaders from Amul, Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), Mercedes-Benz India, and Casagrand converged at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum (ET WLF) 2026 to discuss the rapid rise of “premiumisation” among Indian consumers, who are seeking upgraded lifestyle offerings across housing, automotive, hospitality, and daily consumption while remaining value-conscious.
Sector-Wise Shifts in Consumer Behavior
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Automotive (Mercedes-Benz India): Sustained demand for luxury vehicles highlights a shift toward high-end models, feature-packed variants, and electric drivetrains, driven by rising disposable incomes beyond traditional metro markets.
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Hospitality & Travel (IHCL): Strong momentum in experiential leisure travel and boutique stays, with Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities emerging as key growth engines for premium hotel developments.
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Real Estate (Casagrand): Homebuyers are prioritizing modern amenities, gated communities, integrated wellness features, and larger living spaces over basic functional housing.
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Food & Consumer Goods (Amul): High-growth transition toward branded, packaged, and value-added dairy and food products as health-conscious consumers demand higher quality and safety assurances.
Core Drivers of the Aspirational Shift
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The Value-Conscious Premium Consumer: Upgrade-seeking behavior without reckless spending; buyers demand clear functional or experiential utility for every price premium.
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Beyond the Metros: Non-metro urban centers (Tier-2/3 cities) are outpacing top-tier hubs in growth rates for premium goods and experiential services.
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Experiential Consumption: Modern Indian household budgets are shifting significantly from pure commodity accumulation to lifestyle upgrades, travel, and high-quality living environments.
