MUMBAI: Procter & Gamble India (P&G ), which has crossed a $1-billion turnover in the country, is leading growth in certain key portfolios and brands in Asia, ahead of China.

Pantene, the company's shampoo brand, clocked a growth of over 80% during October-December 2011 in India, largely on account of sachet distribution, while its laundry volume is up by nearly 25%. Although China too has contributed to the parent company's growth in Asia, P&G's growth in China in the said categories has been slower than India.

Its Head & Shoulders shampoo reported a volume growth of over 25% in China, while Ariel detergent grew in mid-teens following a relaunch strategy.

Looking at the growth numbers for P&G India's brands, which are part of Cincinnatibased The Procter & Gamble Company's earnings presentation for its second quarter ended December 31, 2011, industry analysts believe P&G could have upped its market share in the two given categories in the Indian market during the quarter.

"P&G India has been achieving robust and consistent growth of 20-30 % year-onyear , with our business growing 10 times over the last eight years," said Shantanu Khosla, CEO, P&G India. He said P&G India's growth has been balanced across brands and categories . "This makes P&G India among the fastest growing FMCG companies in India today , with market leadership in seven out of the 11 categories we operate in," Khosla said.

Any share that P&G gains in hair care and laundry in India could be a cause for concern for rival Hindustan Unilever (HUL). "We would know after HUL announces Q3 data on Monday which of the two companies' brands in laundry and shampoo have grown faster," said an industry analyst.

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com