The C&F Agent business has always been a strong pillar in the Indian supply chain system. Unlike distributors, who focus mainly on sales, a C&F agent manages bulk stock, warehousing, invoicing, and transportation for companies. This role makes C&F agents an essential part of every big brand’s distribution strategy.
If you want to start a C&F business in India, choosing the right brand is the most important decision. Some companies and product categories have consistently given high returns to C&F partners over the years.
This is the list of all-time profitable brands for the C&F agent business in India, based on their strong demand, reliability, and long-term growth.
Why is C&F Business Profitable in India?
- Handles bulk supply at the state or regional level.
- Earns through handling commissions (4–8%), incentives, and bonuses.
- Deals in fast-moving products like FMCG, pharma, and beverages.
- Works with long-term contracts from reputed companies.
- Expanding demand with e-commerce and modern retail.
All Time Profitable FMCG Brands for C&F Business:
- Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) – Surf Excel, Lifebuoy, Lux, Dove, Rin.
- ITC Limited – Aashirvaad, Bingo, Sunfeast, Yippee.
- Nestlé India – Maggi, KitKat, Nescafé, Milkmaid.
- Parle Products – Parle-G, Hide & Seek, Monaco, Melody.
- Britannia Industries – Good Day, NutriChoice, Bourbon, Milk Bikis.
- Dabur India – Dabur Honey, Real Juices, Chyawanprash, Vatika.
- Emami Limited – Navratna Oil, Zandu Balm, Boroplus.
- Godrej Consumer Products – Good Knight, HIT, Cinthol.
- Patanjali Ayurved – Dant Kanti, Ghee, Kesh Kanti, Ayurvedic FMCG.
- Marico – Parachute, Saffola, Livon, Set Wet.
All Time Profitable Beverages & Dairy Brands for C&F Business:
- Coca-Cola India – Thums Up, Coke, Sprite, Minute Maid.
- PepsiCo India – Pepsi, Lays, Kurkure, Tropicana.
- Parle Agro – Frooti, Appy Fizz, Bailley Water.
- Bisleri International – Packaged drinking water.
- Amul (GCMMF) – Milk, Butter, Cheese, Ice Creams.
- Mother Dairy – Paneer, Ghee, Ice Creams.
- Red Bull India – Energy drinks (premium market).
- Paper Boat – Ethnic beverages with urban appeal.
All Time Profitable Pharma & Healthcare Brands for C&F Business:
- Cipla Ltd. – Respiratory & generic medicines.
- Sun Pharma – Generic & specialty drugs.
- Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories – Formulations, OTC medicines.
- Zydus Wellness – Sugar Free, Glucon-D, Everyuth.
- Mankind Pharma – OTC + Pharma (Prega News, Gas-O-Fast).
- Himalaya Wellness – Ayurvedic medicines, baby care, personal care.
- Abbott India – Nutrition & pharma products.
- Intas Pharma – Oncology & biosimilars.
- Alkem Laboratories – Anti-infectives, pain management.
- Lupin Pharma – Chronic therapy drugs.
All Time Profitable Consumer Durables & Household Brands for C&F Business:
- Colgate-Palmolive – Oral care leader.
- Reckitt Benckiser (RB India) – Dettol, Harpic, Lizol.
- Procter & Gamble (P&G India) – Ariel, Tide, Pampers, Gillette.
- Philips India – Appliances & lighting.
- Havells India – Fans, switches, electricals.
- Orient Electric – Fans, home appliances.
- Panasonic India – Electronics & batteries.
- V-Guard Industries – Electricals & stabilizers.
Key Requirements for Becoming a C&F Agent:
- Warehouse space: 2,000 – 10,000 sq. ft., depending on brand.
- Initial investment: ₹50 lakhs to ₹2 crores (varies by company & category).
- Registrations: GST, Drug License (for pharma), Trade License.
- Infrastructure: Delivery vehicles, billing system, cold storage (for perishable items).
- Team: Stock manager, billing staff, loaders, transport.
FAQs – C&F Agent Business in India
Q1. Which is the most profitable sector for C&F agents in India?
👉 FMCG and Pharma are the most profitable due to consistent demand.
Q2. What are the margins for a C&F agent?
👉 Generally 4%–8% handling commission, plus incentives and bonuses.
Q3. How much investment is required to start a C&F business?
👉 Around ₹50 lakhs to ₹2 crores depending on the brand, warehouse, and region.
Q4. Do I need a license for the C&F pharma business?
👉 Yes, a Wholesale Drug License is mandatory for pharma products.
Q5. Which FMCG brands are best for C&F agents?
👉 HUL, ITC, Nestlé, Britannia, Dabur, and Amul are all-time profitable brands.
Q6. Can a C&F agent handle multiple companies?
👉 Yes, as long as product categories don’t conflict and infrastructure is sufficient.
Q7. Is C&F business better than distributorship?
👉 Yes, because C&F handles bulk volumes with contractual commissions, while distributorship depends on retail-level sales.
Q8. Do companies provide credit to C&F agents?
👉 Usually, no. You need working capital. Some companies allow partial credit after trust is built.
Q9. What are the risks in the C&F business?
👉 Stock damage, unsold inventory, and delayed claim settlements are common risks.
Q10. How can I find genuine C&F opportunities?
👉 You can apply on company websites or use trusted platforms like Takedistributorship.com, which connects you with verified brands.
Final Words:
The C&F Agent business in India is highly profitable if you partner with strong, demand-driven brands. FMCG, Pharma, Dairy, and Household categories are the safest bets for long-term success. Brands like HUL, ITC, Nestlé, Britannia, Amul, Dabur, Cipla, and Sun Pharma are evergreen choices that guarantee profitability.
If you are planning to start, platforms like Takedistributorship.com can help you find genuine C&F Agent opportunities, match your investment level, and connect you with verified companies.
Since 2017, with our experience and trust, we have been helping our clients find top Distributorship, Super stockist, and C&F agent business opportunities in India.
