When it comes to building iconic FMCG, Food, and D2C brands in India, great design isn’t just decoration — it’s strategy. From packaging that pops off the shelf to brand storytelling that sticks in your head, Indian design agencies have become key partners in brand growth. In fact, over 78% of consumers in India say packaging design directly influences their purchasing decisions — especially in the food and D2C space where first impressions matter.
With the country witnessing a D2C boom projected to hit $100 billion by 2025, the role of creative agencies has never been more critical. But with so many players in the market, who are the real game-changers? In this blog, we spotlight the Top 4 Design Agencies in India that have consistently delivered standout branding for FMCG and food brands — blending local culture with global appeal, and creativity with commercial results.
Why Design Agencies are Crucial for FMCG, Food & D2C Brands?
Design agencies play a crucial role in shaping how FMCG, Food, and D2C brands connect with customers. In a market flooded with options, smart design helps a product stand out on the shelf and stay top-of-mind. For FMCG and Food brands, packaging is often the first interaction a consumer has with the product — and it takes just 7 seconds to make a first impression.
Meanwhile, D2C brands rely heavily on digital presence, and design influences everything from website UX to social media engagement. A skilled agency not only creates visually appealing assets but also builds a strong brand identity, ensuring consistency across platforms. This leads to better recall, trust, and ultimately, conversions. In short, design is no longer optional — it’s a growth engine.
Top 4 Design Agency in India that Helped FMCG, Food & D2C Brands
India’s FMCG, Food, and D2C sectors are thriving, and at the heart of this growth are design agencies that turn everyday products into memorable brand experiences. Here are the top 4 design agencies that have made a lasting impact in this space:
1. DesignerPeople
Location: Faridabad, Haryana
Specialization: Branding, Packaging Design, and Marketing Services
Key Highlights:
● Over 18 years of experience in branding and packaging for food, beverages, personal care, and lifestyle sectors.
● Extensive portfolio of Indian and international clients including Haldiram, MDH, and LaOpala.
● Expertise in converting local Indian brands into global-looking D2C powerhouses.
Notable Work:
● Packaging design for Cornitos – Increased shelf visibility and international market acceptance.
● Branding for R-pure Spices – Helped revive brand perception with modern packaging visuals.
Services:
● Brand Strategy
● Logo Design
● Packaging & Label Design
● E-commerce Packaging
● Product Design
2. Elephant Design
Location: Pune, Maharashtra
Specialization: Strategic Brand & Product Design
Key Highlights:
● One of India’s oldest independent design consultancies.
● Known for creating impactful brand identities across sectors.
Notable Work:
● Rebranding of Paper Boat – A cultural success that connected nostalgia with modern storytelling.
● Packaging for Epigamia Yogurt – Clean, vibrant, and functional designs that appeal to millennials.
Services:
● Brand Identity Design
● Packaging Innovation
● Product Design
● Consumer Research
3. Landor India (Now Landor & Fitch)
Location: Mumbai
Specialization: Global Branding and Experience Design
Key Highlights:
● Part of the WPP network with a presence in over 20 countries.
● Brings global expertise to local Indian brands.
Notable Work:
● Brand transformation for Tata Consumer Products
● Worked with Marico and ITC for packaging and brand architecture
Services:
● Brand Strategy
● Consumer & Market Research
● Brand Architecture
● Naming & Verbal Identity
● Digital Branding
4. WowDesign
Location: Mumbai
Specialization: Design-Led Brand Consulting for FMCG
Key Highlights:
● Known for category-first designs in food, beverage, and baby care segments.
● Integrates consumer behavior insights with bold creative output.
Notable Work:
● Rebranding for Mother’s Recipe – Stronger shelf appeal and pan-India market reach.
● Packaging for Crax – Youth-focused design transformation.
Services:
● Brand Strategy
● Packaging Design
● Innovation Workshops
● Research-Based Design Thinking
How These Design Agencies Impact Business Growth?
These design agencies don’t just create good-looking packaging — they craft brand experiences that drive real business growth. By aligning visuals with consumer psychology, they help brands stand out in crowded FMCG and D2C markets. A well-designed product can boost shelf visibility, improve brand recall, and even command higher price points. For example, revamped packaging can increase sales by up to 30%, according to industry insights.
These agencies also bring strategic thinking to the table, helping brands evolve their identity, enter new markets, and stay relevant. From rebranding legacy names to launching new-age D2C startups, their impact goes beyond aesthetics — they build trust, drive engagement, and ultimately, fuel sales growth and long-term customer loyalty.
Tips for Brands Before Hiring a Design Agency
Choosing the right design agency can make or break your brand’s identity in today’s competitive FMCG, Food, and D2C landscape. Before you dive in, here are some practical tips to ensure you partner with the right team.
1. Define Your Brand’s Vision and Goals Clearly
Before approaching any agency, be clear about your brand story, values, and what you want to achieve — whether it’s higher shelf visibility, digital engagement, or entry into new markets. A well-defined vision allows the agency to align their strategy with your goals and suggest meaningful design directions.
2. Review Portfolios Relevant to Your Category
Not all design agencies specialize in the same sectors. Always look through the agency’s previous work, especially in your product category. If you’re a food brand, check how they’ve handled packaging, storytelling, and branding for similar products. This gives insight into their creativity, industry understanding, and consumer focus.
3. Check for Scalability
Your brand might be small today, but what about in the next 3–5 years? Choose an agency that can scale with you — one that’s capable of handling complex branding requirements as your business grows. Look for experience in working with both startups and established brands.
4. Be Open to Creative Risks – If They’re Strategic
Safe design rarely stands out. Be open to bold, creative ideas — but only if they are backed by consumer insights or strategic reasoning. A good agency should challenge your perspective, not just please it.
5. Demand Performance Metrics and ROI
Design isn’t just about beauty — it should deliver results. Ask the agency how they measure performance. Whether it’s increased sales, better customer engagement, or improved shelf visibility, understanding ROI ensures accountability and long-term value.
By following these tips, brands can form partnerships that are not just creative but also commercially impactful.
Conclusion
India’s FMCG, Food, and D2C sectors are evolving rapidly, and the right design agency can be a powerful partner in that journey. The top 4 agencies featured in this blog — DesignerPeople, Elephant Design, Landor & Fitch, and WowDesign — have demonstrated consistent creativity, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of consumer behavior.
From packaging that boosts shelf presence to brand identities that build lasting recall, these agencies have helped brands grow in both local and global markets. While the insights shared here are based on research from Google, industry magazines, and publicly available sources, it’s important for every brand to conduct its own evaluation to find the right creative fit. After all, each business has unique needs — and the right agency should align perfectly with your growth vision.