Nestlé’s Journey in India
Nestlé’s relationship with India dates back to 1912 when initially it started trading as The NESTLE Anglo Swiss Condensed Milk Company (Export) Limited, importing and selling finished products in the Indian Market. Post independence, when the scenario of the entire nation had changed, Nestle introduced its first manufacturing unit in the year 1961 at Moga, Punjab. Indian Government saw this as an opportunity to boost up the milk economy.
Nestlé India’s Products and Presence
Nestle India manufactures products under brand names, such as Nescafe, Maggi, Milkybar, Milo, Kit Kat, Bar-One, Milkmaid, and Nestea. Their milk products and nutrition include Nestle Everyday Dairy Whitener, Nestle Everyday Ghee, Nestle Milk, Nestle Slim Milk, and Nestle Dahi.
Nestlé’s Challenges and Resilience
The company has 8 manufacturing facilities and 4 branch offices across India. In June 2015, Nestlé India’s top product Maggi instant noodles was banned nationwide for containing high amounts of lead. This led to destruction of massive stocks taken off from stores. The company faced a huge financial blow as sales plummeted. Nestlé India adopted strategies to successfully avert the Maggi crisis.
Nestlé’s Global Presence and Contribution
In 1912, the Anglo-Swiss Milk Company merged with Farine Lactée Henri Nestlé to form Nestlé. The company expanded beyond condensed milk and infant formula after the World Wars. Recently, Nestlé Health Science made acquisitions like Vitaflo, CM&D Pharma, and Prometheus Laboratories to specialize in genetic, chronic, and gastrointestinal diseases. Nestlé’s priority is gaining consumer trust through product quality and safety.