MUMBAI: The loyalty game is changing, and brands need to keep up. Almonds Ai, a leader in channel loyalty, rewards, and engagement solutions, has released the highly anticipated fifth edition of the Channel Loyalty Report 2025—the only in-depth research of its kind focused on India’s channel loyalty ecosystem. With insights revealing technology’s growing role, sustainability’s rising influence, and personalisation’s increasing demand, this report paints a vivid picture of where loyalty programs are headed.
The Indian channel loyalty market has soared to a whopping Rs 25,400 crore, growing at a robust 14 per cent CAGR. As competition tightens, brands must evolve beyond traditional rewards to retain loyalty, foster deeper engagement, and drive long-term growth. The message is clear: adapt or get left behind.
Key findings:
. 94 per cent of channel partners now prefer mobile-based redemption, making digital-first loyalty solutions the new norm.
. 58 per cent of partners remain unclear about Section 194R tax compliance, underscoring the need for greater transparency and education.
. 64 per cent of respondents believe eco-friendly rewards will take centre stage as sustainability becomes a key driver of engagement.
. 72 per cent of partners cite gamification as the defining trend, proving that interactive, experience-driven programs are the future.
. AI-powered loyalty solutions boost partner retention by up to 28 per cent, with brands increasingly leveraging data-driven engagement strategies.
Almonds Ai’s co-founders Abhinav Jain and Apurv Modi weighed in on the findings, stating, “The loyalty landscape is changing fast. Today’s channel partners don’t just want rewards; they seek engagement, recognition, and value beyond transactions. Businesses must embrace AI, hyper-personalisation, and sustainability-driven loyalty frameworks to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market. This report serves as a blueprint for businesses looking to innovate, personalise, and future-proof their loyalty strategies.”
With loyalty programs evolving at breakneck speed, the risks of a one-size-fits-all approach have never been clearer. As partners participate in multiple programs simultaneously, brands must prioritise flexibility, personalisation, and technology-driven frameworks to stay ahead of the curve. The future of loyalty is digital, interactive, and AI-powered—and brands that fail to adapt may soon find themselves struggling for relevance.
For businesses looking to thrive in this fast-evolving space, the Channel Loyalty Report 2025 serves as an essential guide to navigating the shifting landscape, ensuring brands can engage, innovate, and retain their most valuable partners.