Farmley is a standout brand in India’s quickly growing direct-to-consumer (D2C) market. This health-focused snack company is changing how Indian customers view daily nutrition.
Known for its flavored makhanas, date bites, and healthy desserts, the D2C brand is working to expand across India and into global markets. Farmley aims to reach a turnover of ₹1,000 crore in just two and a half years, quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing D2C food and beverage brands in India.
Akash Sharma and Abhishek Agarwal started Farmley in 2017 as a B2B business, getting dry fruits and nuts straight from farmers. In 2021, they switched to a consumer-facing model, joining the rise of new D2C startups changing direct-to-consumer sales in India. With $40 million in Series C funding led by L Catterton, a global investment firm, Farmley is using this to support growth by expanding offline and adding new products. This fits with the trend of D2C funding news and VC-backed D2C brands gaining market share in India’s growing health and wellness area.
Currently, Farmley makes about 75% of its sales from online channels, such as ecommerce and quick commerce D2C platforms, while offline retail accounts for about 15%. The company is now focusing on offline growth, looking to enter South and East India more. In Tamil Nadu, Farmley plans to increase its presence from 10,000 to 35,000 stores, while eastern states like Bihar and Odisha will be important for future growth. Already in 25,000 stores across the country, including major retailers like Reliance, Spencer’s, and DMart, the brand is creating a strong omnichannel D2C plan to balance D2C retail with ecommerce.
Farmley has also started selling in global markets like the USA, Canada, Australia, and the UAE, offering its makhanas and other products to health-conscious customers worldwide. This international growth shows a trend in D2C business in India, where startups are using their strong domestic success to grow globally.
Innovation is key to Farmley’s growth. From roasted makhanas to healthy desserts for gifting, the company is making its products relevant for both daily snacking and holidays. Digital campaigns with micro-influencers and celebrity endorsements, like its campaign with actress Sanya Malhotra, help build its brand and connect with consumers.
Farmley’s ability to offer premium quality at a reasonable price sets it apart in the crowded D2C food and beverage market. By sourcing directly from over 10,000 farmers and running manufacturing units near farms, the brand controls its supply chain, ensuring both quality and the ability to grow.
With D2C market trends pointing toward omnichannel growth, health-focused snacking, and global expansion, Farmley’s story reflects the direction of D2C startups in India. From holiday gifts to everyday nutrition, the brand’s aim is clear: to be India’s favorite healthy snack company and a global leader in its category.
As D2C news continues to focus on brands changing consumer behavior, Farmley’s goal of reaching ₹1,000 crore places it among the top D2C brands and one of the most interesting stories in the D2C industry.
