New Delhi, Feb. 1 -- The fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector welcomed the tax cuts announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 with nearly a 3% gain-its biggest budget-day gain since 2012.

The budget 2025, presented by Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Parliament on Saturday, focused on boosting consumption by providing tax breaks to the middle class-a welcome relief for the sector facing sluggish demand.

All major packaged consumer goods ended the day in green. Britannia Industries Ltd rose 3%, Godfrey Phillips India Ltd 9%, ITC Ltd 6%, and Hindustan Unilever Ltd 4%, even as the frontline indices showed little reaction.

"The decision to forgo Rs.1 trillion in direct taxes and offer full tax exemption up to Rs.12 lakh inc...