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New Delhi: Parle-G is not just a biscuit—it is a shared memory for millions of Indians. Whether paired with tea or eaten straight from the pack, Parle-G has been a constant in Indian households for decades. What makes it even more remarkable is its global footprint, with manufacturing units in six countries—the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, Middle East, and Australia—solidifying its status as a truly international brand.
Even during COVID-19, when most businesses struggled, Parle-G saw record-breaking sales, proving its unwavering popularity.
Parle-G: From Swadeshi Roots to a Global Brand
Founded in 1929 by Mohanlal Dayal Chauhan, Parle started as a small confectionery factory in Vile Parle, Mumbai, employing just 12 workers with German-imported machinery.
The brand was initially named "Parle Gluco", but later changed to "Parle-G" to compete in the growing biscuit industry.
The "G" in Parle-G originally stood for "Glucose", but later evolved into "Genius", in line with the company’s brand slogan.
Despite the name changes, the taste and classic packaging remained unchanged, reinforcing the trust and nostalgia associated with the brand.
The Birth of the Iconic Yellow Packaging
By the 1980s, Parle-G was facing tough competition from brands like Britannia, which introduced its own version of glucose biscuits. This led to confusion among shopkeepers and customers, as many would simply ask for “glucose biscuits” without specifying a brand.
To solve this, Parle-G introduced its distinctive yellow packaging, featuring the now-famous Parle-G girl—a marketing move that made it instantly recognizable across India.
Who is the Parle-G Girl? The Mystery Finally Solved
For years, people speculated about the real identity of the Parle-G girl. Many believed she was:
Infosys chairperson Sudha Murty
Neeru Deshpande
Gunjan Gundania
However, the truth was finally revealed by Mayank Shah, Parle’s Group Product Manager.
The Parle-G girl is not based on any real person—she is actually an illustration created by artist Maganlal Dahiya from Everest Creative in the 1960s.
Parle-G: A Global Biscuit Leader
According to a 2011 Nielsen report, Parle-G became the world’s best-selling biscuit, surpassing:
Oreo (Kraft Foods, USA)
Gamesa (Mexico)
Walmart’s private-label biscuits
Between 2018 and 2020, Parle-G hit a staggering ₹8,000 crore in sales, proving that even after decades, it remains India’s favorite biscuit.
More Than Just a Biscuit
Parle-G is more than a snack—it’s a symbol of nostalgia, affordability, and trust. From its Swadeshi roots to its global recognition, it has stood the test of time, proving that some things never go out of style.
