Haleon Targets 300 Million in India With Oral Health Push

Haleon is directing £175m (US$234.4m) towards India as the British multinational pharmaceuticals company works to expand its reach in one of its fastest-growing markets. The investment will fund a new manufacturing facility in Madhya Pradesh and support distribution efforts across Asia.

The company operates some of the world's largest consumer healthcare brands, including Sensodyne, Panadol and Advil. India represents a key market for Haleon's target of reaching one billion additional consumers by 2030.

Manufacturing expansion in Madhya Pradesh

The new oral health manufacturing site will be located in central India. The facility will supply products across the wider Asian continent and increase distribution capabilities within India itself.

Haleon selected a location close to several of India's technical colleges. This placement forms part of the company's Win as One strategy, which focuses on unlocking growth through productivity gains and cultural transformation.

The development will strengthen Haleon's in-house supply chain capabilities. This could allow the company to respond more effectively to changing consumer needs and market trends.

According to Haleon, India's consumer health market could reach more than £23bn (US$30.8bn) by 2030.

Strategic focus on oral health access

India is one of Haleon's largest oral health markets. However, access to dental care remains limited, particularly in rural areas where approximately 65% of the population lives.

"India is a key strategic market for Haleon and an important driver of our long-term growth," explains Brian McNamara, CEO of Haleon. "This investment strengthens our local manufacturing footprint and expands our reach in one of the world's fastest-growing consumer health markets."

Haleon is working to increase accessibility through lower-cost and small-format toothpaste packs. The company plans to roll out a 20-rupee Sensodyne pack across towns and villages in India.

The products will contain what Haleon describes as trusted ingredients whilst maintaining affordability. This approach targets populations living with untreated dental issues due to limited access to care.

Last-mile delivery capabilities

Haleon recruited more than 500 people to its sales team in the last 12 months. The company is increasing its investment in last-mile capabilities, including expanding the number of frontline teams using motorbikes.

These drivers deliver testing kits, samples and diagnostic tools to rural areas. The service targets communities unable to reach retail locations and pharmacies.

The testing kits could enable people to recognise symptoms and access treatment. Haleon has deployed mobile oral health literacy vans to engage rural communities and provide education on oral health.

The company aims to create community hubs for oral health awareness, health checks and immediate product access. These hubs form part of the wider accessibility strategy.

Timeline and employment impact

The new manufacturing facility could create up to 500 jobs. The project will support local capabilities and long-term economic development in the region.

The facility is scheduled to open in early 2028. Supply operations are expected to commence in 2029.

"By increasing access to our trusted brands and building our capabilities on the ground, we are well positioned to capture the significant opportunities ahead," Brian adds. "We aim to expand access to better everyday health for more than 300 million additional consumers in India. This will be key to achieving our broader ambition to reach one billion more consumers globally by 2030."

The investment demonstrates Haleon's focus on India as a market for expansion. The facility will support both domestic distribution and wider regional supply chains across Asia.