Best Indian Brands: A Guide to the Powerhouses Defining 2024

Indian brands have ingrained themselves into our daily lives, whether we like to admit it or not. We are so accustomed to these products that we forget how well-known and influential these Indian brands are worldwide. In this article, I’ll discuss the best Indian brands that have long dominated the global market.

Key Takeaways

Indian brands have become integral to global markets, influencing daily life worldwide.
Top Indian fashion brands emphasize ethical practices, including fair labor, sustainability, and minimal use of animal products.
Airtel has emerged as India’s leading telecommunications company with a strong international presence.
Hidesign and Lakme are notable Indian brands with global recognition in leather goods and cosmetics, respectively.
Royal Enfield and Jaguar, though originally British, are now iconic Indian-owned brands.
Micromax has made a significant impact in the consumer electronics market, even surpassing Samsung in sales at one point.
Emerging brands like Mokobara and established names like Old Monk and Nykaa highlight India’s diverse and thriving market.
Westside is the fastest-growing Indian brand, and Tata Group remains the most valuable, valued at $28.6 billion.

Best Indian Brands

#1. Clothes with a Handcrafted Origin

India’s apparel is renowned across the globe for its masterful craftsmanship, vibrant colours, and detailed designs. As one of the world’s biggest producers of textiles—and, according to Textile Exchange’s Organic Cotton Market Report (2022), one of the main worldwide suppliers of organic cotton—it is also a shining example of a region that can support the growing sustainable fashion movement.

However, a large portion of the apparel offered by the most successful fast fashion companies, such as H&M and Zara, that is labelled as made in India is actually rooted in worker exploitation and environmental devastation due to globalization, colonialism’s aftereffects, and the outsourcing of cheap skilled labour. The race to the bottom in fast fashion has resulted in the disruption of traditional handcrafting methods and the devaluation of regional artisanal craft.

#2. Airtel

Airtel’s narrative demonstrates the emergence of well-known Indian businesses on the global scene. Founded in 1995, Airtel has grown to become India’s top telecommunications business, providing mobile phone services and broadband internet to a large user base.

While Airtel is a significant player in India, it also operates in 16 countries across South Asia and Africa, as well as the Channel Islands.

South Asia includes India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.

Africa: Kenya, Gabon, Chad, Tanzania, Congo B, Zambia, Madagascar, Uganda, Seychelles, Malawi, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa Headquarters, Niger, and Rwanda

Airtel also collaborates with various telecommunications companies worldwide to provide international roaming services. This arrangement enables its Indian subscribers to use their mobile phones on partner networks in over 184 countries.

#3. Hidesign

Hidesign is a multinational leather goods company and well-known Indian brand situated in Pondicherry. Dilip Kapur created it in 1978, and the first store opened in 1990. Its premium leather items and accessories are created with materials sourced from Tamil Nadu tanneries.

#4. Allen Solly

Allen Solly was founded in 1744 by William Holin and Company Limited. However, the clothing brand passed into Indian hands in the late twentieth century. Madura Garments bought it in 1993. Aditya Birla Group quickly gained ownership rights in 2001, transforming it into a well-known Indian brand. Allen Solly shirts, which are mostly designed for males, are popular in India and around the world. Because we live in the digital age, we can quickly order fashionable clothing from the Allen Solly online store.

#5. Lakme

While the elegant French moniker “Lakme” may mislead some, it is truly a hidden jewel among Indian businesses. This cosmetics brand, named after the French opera Lakme (which is derived from the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi), is an excellent example of a successful made-in-India product on a global scale. Lakme began its operations as a subsidiary of Tata Oil Mills (Tomco), a Tata Group company. Today, it is owned by Hindustan Unilever and led by CEO Pushkaraj Shenai.

#6. Royal Enfield

This brand, which began as a British corporation, was founded in 1893. The old Royal Enfield bikes were manufactured by the Enfield Cycle Company, as it was then known. Eicher Motors, an Indian motorcycle firm founded in 1948, acquired it in 1994. The name has also been changed to Royal Enfield India. The distinctive thumping engine sounds and large engine capacities of these Indian-made motorcycles captivate our ears.

#7. Jaguar

Jaguar is the luxury automobile brand of the British multinational automaker Jaguar Land Rover. It was formed in 1922 as the Swallow Sidecar Company. Ford sold Jaguar Cars and Land Rover to Tata Motors in 2008, with the two brands uniting to form Jaguar Land Rover in 2013. Jaguar, which is owned by Indians, has produced vehicles for both the British Prime Minister and the Royal Family.

#8. Louis Philippe

The name, which is derived from the French ruler Louis Philippe (1830-1848), conjures up images of France in our minds. Madura Fashion and Lifestyle established the well-known Indian men’s clothing business in 1989. Many individuals seek luxurious clothes created in India.

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#9. Mokobara

Mokobara, a Bangalore-based firm formed in 2020, is a rising star in India’s travel accessory market. Despite being a young company, Mokobara has swiftly acquired notoriety for its dedication to providing both beauty and affordability. They create professionally constructed baggage bags, backpacks, and travel accessories that respond to the needs of today’s travellers.

Unlike traditional luggage businesses, Mokobara focuses on making goods that are both functional and visually appealing. Their product line expands beyond bags to include wallets, packing cubes, and neck pillows, providing a comprehensive travel needs solution.

#10. Van Heusen India

Van Heusen is a clothing brand owned by PVH Corp., originally known as Phillips Van Heusen Corporation. PVH was founded in 1889 and is named after John Manning Van Heusen, a Dutch immigrant. Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited owns Van Heusen India, the brand’s Indian branch. Van Heusen India’s products are made in India. ABFRL is India’s first multibillion-dollar fashion brand.

#11. Cafe Coffee Day

Every college student is familiar with the homey atmosphere provided by CCD restaurants. Amalgamated Bean Coffee Trading Company owns Café Coffee Day, an Indian coffee chain headquartered in Chikmagalur. In 1996, the first CCD café opened in Bangalore. The well-known Indian brand has now expanded internationally to include Vienna, Prague, Karachi, and Dubai. It currently owns plantations, cultivates coffee, and manufactures coffee machines and furniture for its stores.

#12. Old Monk

Old Monk Rum is often mistaken for a foreign brand, however, it is a true champion among well-known Indian brands. This dark rum, launched in 1954 by Mohan Meakin Limited in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, exemplifies the global success of Indian-made products. Despite a paucity of advertising, Old Monk has long been the leading Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) brand.

In fact, I learnt that in 2013, it had become the world’s best-selling black rum firm. While it may not be a household name worldwide, Old Monk is a Made in India product that has a devoted following in Russia, Japan, the United States, Estonia, and the United Kingdom, demonstrating its international appeal.

#13. The East India Company

Almost every Indian would grimace at the mention of this name. The British East India Company was formerly an imperialistic trade company that dominated nearly half of the world. Sanjiv Mehta, an Indian, now owns a high-end luxury products company. Who’s laughing right now?

Remember these well-known Indian companies when you go shopping next time. Allow the varied products created in India to captivate your senses.

#14. Peter England

Peter England shirts smell like cinnamon tea and lace doilies. However, Madura Fashion and Lifestyle, an Aditya Birla Group affiliate, owns and operates several well-known Indian brands. Peter England was founded in 1997 and is one of India’s top menswear companies. You can deliver a fantastic interview if you wear a Peter England T-shirt.

So, I would advise that the next time you’re browsing clothing labels in India, keep in mind that recognizable names can have surprising roots.

#15. Flying Machine

Despite having an Italian designer named Chicco, Flying Machine is a well-known Indian brand. It was created in 1980 by Arvind Lifestyle Brand Limited. Also, it boasts the distinction of being India’s first indigenous denim brand. It stands out among the coolest young fashion brands that provide denim clothing created in India.

#16. Masala Monk

Masala Monk is a well-known Indian company founded in 2018 by writer and businessman Shashank Aggarwal. His company provides delicious gourmet ingredients that have won many hearts. According to the Masala Monk website, they provide “sauces, pickles, fruits, grains, dips, mixes, spices, and a lot more.” The Masala Monk creator was also trending on social media earlier this year for his funny response to a community query.

#17. Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo Fashion Limited, named after the famed Alpine destination, is a well-known Indian clothing brand for both men and women. It was founded in 1984 by Oswal Woolen Mills Limited. Nahar Group, headquartered in Ludhiana, Punjab, is its parent firm.

#18. Micromax

Indian manufacturers are building a name for themselves in the gadget market, with Micromax serving as a great example. Established in 2000, this Gurgaon-based company began as an IT software company before expanding into consumer goods. Micromax soon rose to become a household name in India, and it even gained international prominence.

Notably, in 2014, it outsold South Korea’s Samsung in terms of the number of phones shipped in a single quarter, cementing its status as a dominant contender. Micromax’s success story demonstrates the expanding global strength of Indian-made brands. Several celebrities, including Akshay Kumar, Twinkle Khanna, and Hugh Jackman, have served as brand ambassadors for this leading Indian company.

#19. Di Milano

This brand’s Italian flavour has captivated many people. However, Indians would be happy to learn that it is an Indian brand. Sahil Malik oversaw the expansion of Da Milano after taking over his father’s firm in 2000. It was founded in 1989 as a leather goods exporter. Da Milano manufactures high-quality leather items and home décor in India.

#20. Amrut Single Malt

Amrut Single Malt is an Indian liquor brand that rose to international prominence within a few years of its launch. It was named the world’s third-best single malt and is created in India. It conceals an intriguing story about the evolution of a modest liquor firm established in 1948. Neelakanta Rao Jagdale ambitiously built it into a world-renowned whisky company by 2009. As a result, it proudly ranks among India’s leading brands. The liquor is distilled and manufactured in the Amrut Distillery in Bangalore.

#21. Munich Polo

Most people would be misled into believing that Munich Polo is a German brand. It is an Indian brand that specializes in children’s clothes. Its parent firm is “Catmoss Retail Private Limited,” a project led by Ashwin Chawla and Sudipt Ghosh.

#22. Franco Leone

When saying the name, you will inevitably have an Italian accent. However, Franco Leone is an Indian brand that specializes in formal footwear for men. It was founded in 1989 and is led by Vishal Bhambri. He started as a footwear technologist and eventually became a shoe perfectionist alongside his brothers Vikram and Vikrant.

#23. Amul

Amul is a prominent Indian brand that offers tasty milk products. It is a name that is associated with breakfast tables throughout India. It’s more than simply a brand; it’s the world’s biggest dairy cooperative. Amul was founded in 1946, and its success story exemplifies the power of collaboration. This cooperative structure enables millions of milk farmers in India, and their ingenious marketing efforts using the iconic “Amul Girl” have captivated hearts across generations.

#24. Boat

Boat exemplifies the vitality of emerging Indian companies. It is one of the best-made-in-India brands, and everyone knows why.

Boat, founded in 2016, has emerged as a consumer electronics market leader, primarily for its elegant and cheap audio equipment. Boat provides several solutions for the tech-savvy Indian consumer, bringing high-quality music to a wider audience.

#25. Lens Kart

The world of e-commerce has also seen an increase in Indian brands. Lenskart, India’s top online eyewear retailer, was started in 2010. Lenskart has not only expanded its product line to include eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses, but it has also promoted innovation. Their innovative 3D virtual try-on technology allows clients to see how glasses will look on their faces before purchasing them, making online eyewear shopping simple.

#26. Ola Electric

Many Indian brands prioritize sustainability in their innovative efforts. Ola Electric, a subsidiary of the ride-sharing behemoth Ola, is making waves in the EV industry. Established in 2017, they are dedicated to delivering environmentally friendly transportation alternatives.

Their debut product, the Ola S1 electric scooter, has proven popular among Indian consumers seeking a more environmentally friendly mode of transportation. Ola Electric, with its vast “futurefactory” under development, is poised to become a major player in the worldwide electric vehicle sector.

#27. Jio

Jio, a young brand that has swept the market, is at the vanguard of India’s telecommunications revolution. It a subsidiary of Reliance Industries, was founded in 2016 and has quickly gained prominence. Their revolutionary pricing model, which includes low-data plans, has upended the sector and made internet access more accessible to millions of Indians. Also, Jio’s extensive 4G and 5G network coverage assures a seamless connection for its massive user base.

#28. Nykaa

Nykaa, which launched in 2012, is a shining example of India’s thriving beauty business. It is the country’s top beauty retailer, selling a wide range of cosmetics, skincare, perfumes, haircare, and wellness items. Nykaa serves beauty enthusiasts through its user-friendly online platform and has a growing network of retail locations around India. They’ve been a driving force in promoting beauty e-commerce, and their own private-label beauty product line is gaining traction.

#29. La Opala

Adding the ‘La’ evokes a sense of France; however, La Opala is an Indian brand. It manufactures and sells high-quality cutlery and dinnerware made in India. Sushil Jhunjhunwala founded the company in 1988.

#30. Safari Bags

Safari Bags has been a household name in India for more than 40 years, synonymous with quality and longevity. Also, Safari founded in 1976, is one of India’s leading luggage and bag manufacturers.

They provide a diverse selection of luggage, backpacks, duffels, and briefcases, all made with high-quality materials and functionality in mind. Safari bags are popular among both travellers and professionals. Interestingly, Safari was the first Indian company in the baggage category to receive ISO 9001 accreditation for quality management, cementing its image as a manufacturer of high-quality made-in-India products.

#31. Lavie World

Lavie World, a made-in-India business founded in 2009, focuses on the fashion demands of women in India. They’ve gained popularity among young, trendsetting ladies for their fashionable handbags, wallets, and other accessories.

Lavie provides a diverse range of designs to suit various preferences and events, all at reasonable costs. They have a strong social media presence and are known for their influencer marketing methods, making Lavie a brand that appeals to the modern Indian woman. This shows Indian firms’ success in catering to the home market with trend-setting products.

Which is the strongest brand in India in 2024?

For the fourth consecutive year, Taj, the brand of Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), the country’s biggest hospitality company, is India’s strongest brand, according to Brand Finance’s 2024 India 100 study. With more than 110 properties spread over 13 countries, the Taj is well-known for its warmth and friendliness, or “Tajness.” In addition, the business offers safaris, city hotels, wellness retreats, palaces, and service apartments.

Are there any Indian luxury brands?

Titan is one of the top luxury brands in India that has gained international recognition. It was founded in 1984 as a joint venture by the Tamilnadu Industrial Development Corporation and the Tata group.

Which is the most expensive Indian brand?

As of June 2024, Brand Value’s India 100 study values the Tata Group at $28.6 billion, making it the most valuable brand in India. For the first time, an Indian brand has approached the $30 billion milestone, marking a 9% growth from the previous year. The survey evaluates more than 250 Indian businesses across a variety of sectors, such as retail, hospitality, IT, and automobiles.

Conclusion

India is home to fashion labels producing exquisite apparel that is more considerate of people, the environment, and animals. The country is renowned for its rich cultural past and artisanal textile traditions.

References

Interbrand.com

Mirrorreview.com

Goodonyou.eco