Nestle India, a leading FMCG company known for producing popular brands like Maggi noodles, KitKat chocolate, and Nescafe, has reaffirmed its strong commitment to local manufacturing. The Chairman and Managing Director, Suresh Narayanan, announced plans to invest INR 4,200 crore by 2025, with a major focus on establishing its 10th manufacturing plant in Odisha.
The company aims to cater to the robust demand in the Indian market, and significant investments have already been made. As of the first half of 2023, approximately INR 2,100 crore has been allocated for capital investments. These funds will be utilized for enhancing manufacturing capacity, with about one-third dedicated to the food sector, another one-third to chocolate and confectionery, and the remainder to nutrition and other areas.
Narayanan revealed that an additional INR 4,200 crore will be invested between 2023 and 2025, with INR 900 crore earmarked for the construction of a new factory in Odisha. Nestle India’s parent company, Nestle SA, is actively supporting this expansion by providing technology, processes, and management capabilities.
The company has a comprehensive plan for these investments, including expansion of facilities in the coffee and beverages business, new confectionery lines in Sanand (Gujarat) plant, and expansion in other factories like Moga (Punjab) and Ponda (Goa) for the chocolate factory.
The upcoming factory in Odisha is initially planned to focus on noodles production, but it might later venture into manufacturing chocolates and confectionery products. Nestle India is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce. It aims to increase female representation, with one-fifth of the field force and over 50% of the board comprising women. The Sanand factory already boasts a workforce where more than 50% are women, and the upcoming plant in Odisha will continue this trend.
Currently operating nine factories in India, Nestle India plays a vital role in the global market as one of the top ten markets for Nestle SA, a multinational food and beverages conglomerate headquartered in Switzerland. Over the years, Nestle India has invested around INR 7,000 crore in the country, reflecting its long-standing commitment to India’s growth and prosperity.