We will scale Melody globally: Parle CMO Mayank Shah on PM Modi’s viral ‘Melodi’ moment

The widely circulated clip shows PM Modi handing over a packet of Melody to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in a playful nod to the popular ‘Melodi’ trend

by Shalinee Mishra
Published: May 20, 2026 4:10 PM | 3 min read

Parle, Mayank Shah, PM Modi, Melodi, Giorgia Meloni

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's gesture of gifting Melody toffees to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during his visit to Rome has become a significant branding moment for Parle Products, highlighting Indian brands on the global stage.
Parle Products' CMO, Mayank Shah, expressed plans to leverage this moment to enhance Melody's global presence, calling it a powerful endorsement for Indian consumer brands.
The viral video of the exchange, which included light-hearted remarks from both leaders, has sparked discussions on nation branding and the cultural relevance of Indian FMCG brands internationally.
Following the viral attention, shares of Parle Industries saw a notable increase, reflecting the influence of social media on investor sentiment, although the listed entity is not directly connected to Melody or Parle Products.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s now-viral gesture of gifting a pack of Melody toffees to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during his Rome visit has turned into a defining branding moment for Parle Products.

Thank you for the gift pic.twitter.com/7ePxbJwPbA

— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) May 20, 2026

The company called it a proud milestone for Indian brands on the global stage.

Reacting to the buzz around the video, Parle Products Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Mayank Shah said the company plans to leverage the moment to strengthen Melody’s global footprint.

“We would be using this opportunity to scale up the brand not just in India but globally,” Shah told e4m.

Calling the moment a powerful endorsement for Indian consumer brands, Shah added: “It is a moment of immense pride for all of us at Parle Products.”

“When Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi gifts Parle Melody to world leaders, it is a powerful testament to the potential of Swadeshi brands on the global stage.”

“Parle Melody is India's largest selling toffee brand and is today available in over 100 countries.”

“We are deeply grateful to the Prime Minister for giving Indian brands this incredible recognition and visibility.”

The now widely circulated clip showed PM Modi handing over a packet of Melody to Meloni in a playful nod to the internet’s popular “Melodi” trend — a nickname coined by social media users for the friendly camaraderie between the two leaders. Sharing the video online, Meloni wrote, “Thank you for the gift.”

In the clip, Meloni is heard saying, “Prime Minister Modi brought as a gift a very, very good toffee,” before Modi smilingly responds, “Melody,” triggering laughter from both leaders.

The moment quickly transcended diplomacy and entered advertising and pop culture conversations, with marketers hailing it as an example of organic nation branding and soft power marketing. Until now, PM Modi has largely been seen as a global ambassador for “Brand Bharat.” But with Melody making its way into an international diplomatic exchange, the spotlight has also shifted toward how Indian FMCG brands are finding cultural relevance beyond domestic markets.

For Parle Products, the viral attention has reinforced the enduring equity of Melody — one of India’s most recognisable confectionery brands known for its iconic “Melody itni chocolaty kyun hai?” recall. Alongside Melody, Parle’s confectionery portfolio includes household names such as Mango Bite, Poppins, Kismi and Mazelo.

The impact of the viral moment was also visible on Dalal Street. Shares of Parle Industries surged sharply after the video gained traction online, even though the listed entity has no direct connection with Melody or Parle Products. The spike highlighted the sheer strength of the Parle brand name and how social media virality is increasingly influencing investor sentiment and consumer conversations alike.

While Parle Industries witnessed a temporary rally, the real winner from the “Melodi” moment appears to be Parle Products itself, a legacy Indian brand that has now found a fresh global cultural cue through diplomacy, nostalgia and internet humour rolled into one.