The Indian direct selling market, growing at the rate of 17 per cent in the last few years, will be more than $1 billion by 2012-13, according to a global body of direct sellers.
"Currently the total market for direct selling products is around $600 million, which is growing at the rate of around 17 per cent and is expected to cross the $1 billion-mark by 2012-13," World Federation of Direct Selling Associations Executive Director Tamuna Gabilaia told PTI.
She said direct selling currently provides employment opportunity to around 1.8 million people, of which 1.2 million are women, and it would increase in the coming years.
"Direct selling as a mode of marketing products provides opportunity to several people to start their own businesses and exercise their entrepreneurial skills. It currently employs 1.8 million people in India," Gabilaia said.
She said employment creation is one of the main factors behind the growth of the direct selling market.
Over the last decade, direct selling companies such as Amway, Oriflame and Modicare have expanded their presence by introducing new categories that range from beauty and personal care to nutritional products.
"Though prices are relatively high, the Indian market has shown strong acceptance of products from direct selling companies as people are more quality conscious now," she said.