Viral Modi–Meloni video sparks shortage of Melody toffees in India

A simple packet of Parle Melody Toffee has unexpectedly become a trending topic online after a viral interaction between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni sparked a wave of consumer interest across India.

The buzz began when Meloni shared a video on May 20 showing Modi presenting her with a packet of the popular caramel candy during his visit to Rome. Alongside the clip, she posted a message thanking him for the gesture.

In the video, Meloni can be heard describing the gift as a “very, very good toffee,” a moment that quickly gained traction on social media platforms.

Following the viral post, demand for the candy reportedly surged across India. Users rushed to quick-commerce platforms such as Blinkit, Zepto, and Instamart to order the same product, with many locations showing the item as temporarily out of stock.

Retailers and online platforms witnessed a sudden spike in searches for Melody toffee, driven largely by the viral attention surrounding the diplomatic exchange.

The incident highlights how social media moments involving global leaders can rapidly influence consumer behavior, turning an ordinary product into an internet sensation within hours.