Parle Industries shares surged after social media users mistakenly linked the company to Melody toffees gifted by PM Modi to Italy PM Giorgia Meloni.
May 20, 2026: A packet of Melody toffees gifted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni unexpectedly triggered a stock market frenzy on Wednesday, sending shares of Parle Industries into upper circuit territory despite the company having no connection with the candy brand. On the BSE, the stock rose 5 per cent to ₹5.25 after a viral clip showed Modi presenting the iconic Indian toffee to Meloni during his visit to Rome. The cheerful exchange quickly exploded across social media, sparking memes, nostalgic reactions and confusion among retail investors.
The excitement intensified after Meloni thanked Modi online for the gift, while social media users began associating “Parle” with Melody candies. However, Melody is actually owned by Parle Products, the privately held FMCG company behind brands such as Parle-G, Monaco, KrackJack and Hide & Seek. Parle Industries, meanwhile, operates independently and has no operational link with the confectionery business. The company is currently involved in sectors such as infrastructure, real estate and paper waste recycling.
The viral “Melodi” moment came during Modi’s Italy visit, the final stop of his five-nation diplomatic tour. Before formal talks, Narendra Modi and Giorgia Meloni met over dinner and visited the iconic Colosseum. The visit also featured cultural performances by the Indian diaspora and meetings focused on strengthening India-Italy ties. But despite the diplomatic agenda, it was a simple packet of Melody toffees that captured the internet’s attention and accidentally turned a small stock into the centre of a viral market moment.