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PM Modi's Melody toffee gift to PM Meloni triggers quick-commerce frenzy; Melody goes out of stock on Blinkit, Instamart across major cities

International Business Times | May 21, 2026 2:39 PM CST

A simple diplomatic gesture by Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni unexpectedly triggered a nationwide online frenzy around the popular toffee Melody.

During PM Modi's visit to Rome on Wednesday, he gifted PM Meloni a pack of Melody toffees. Sharing the moment on her official X handle, Meloni said, "Prime Minister Modi has brought us a gift, a very very good toffee," while the two leaders were seen holding the candy packet and laughing together.

Soon after the video surfaced online, social media users began linking the moment to the viral "Melodi" nickname — a blend of "Modi" and "Meloni" — that has often been used online to describe the warm camaraderie between the two leaders.

The post quickly sparked a meme fest across platforms, with users sharing edited images of the two prime ministers alongside Melody's iconic slogan: "Yeh Melody itni chocolaty kyun hai?" Others joked that international demand had suddenly surged, with one user quipping, "Italy wale order kar rahe hain kya?"

The viral attention also translated into a rush on quick commerce platforms. Users across major cities including Delhi, Noida, Bengaluru, Mohali, Mumbai, and Gurugram shared screenshots showing Melody listed as "out of stock" on apps such as Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, and Blinkit.

Interestingly, the viral moment also had an unexpected impact on the stock market. Shares of Parle Industries rose 5 per cent after Meloni's post gained traction online. However, the company has no connection to Melody candies.

The confectionery brand is actually owned by Parle Products, the maker of well-known brands such as Parle-G, Monaco, KrackJack, and Hide & Seek. Meanwhile, Parle Industries, incorporated in 1983, operates in sectors including infrastructure, real estate, and paper waste recycling.