Synopsis
. In April, sales had shrunk 16%. About a fourth of all kirana outlets were shut during the month while month-on-month orders dropped 8%.
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India's fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) market contracted by a third in May from the preceding month due to lockdowns and restrictions in most states that led to a significant drop in orders from local grocers.
FMCG sales declined 32%, the second consecutive drop in a row for the segment, according to Bizom, which tracks sales of 7.5 million retail stores across the country. In April, sales had shrunk 16%. About a fourth of all kirana outlets were shut during the month while month-on-month orders dropped 8%. This was despite neighbourhood stores, which account for nearly 85% of all consumer product sales, being allowed to operate, albeit with restricted timings.