Nestlé to invest in R&D centre in India

Nestlé has announced the establishment of an R&D centre in India. The facility will be built in Manesar, close to Nestlé India’s headquarters in Gurgaon, and will be operational in 2012. This investment of around CHF 50 million will help to further strengthen Nestlé’s R&D capabilities in emerging markets. Nestlé has a strategic focus and leadership in emerging markets where the company expects sales to reach 45% of total by 2020.

The new centre will focus on popularly positioned products (PPPs), especially for India but also worldwide. PPPs meet the specific needs of consumers with lower income levels by offering them high-quality, nutritionally enhanced products at affordable prices.

At the stone-laying ceremony to make the announcement were Mr Subodh Kant Sahai, Minister for Food Processing Industries, Mr Klaus Zimmermann, Head of Nestlé R&D Centres worldwide and Mr A Helio Waszyk, Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé India.

“Today we are not only marking Nestlé’s continuing long-term commitment to R&D, but also celebrating the building of Nestlé’s first R&D Centre in India. The research at this centre will provide exciting opportunities for innovation. It will allow us to offer consumers in India and beyond the choice of tasty, healthy and nutritious products,” said Nestlé’s Senior Vice President Klaus Zimmermann at the event.

“Nestlé India is the country’s leading nutrition, health and wellness company. Our continuous access to Nestlé global R&D has significantly contributed to our performance and Nestlé’s decision to establish an R&D centre in India will be an additional competitive advantage in the future. It will help us to accelerate the company’s growth and contribute towards reducing nutritional deficiencies in India,” said A Helio Wasyzk.

Nestlé has had a presence in India since 1912 and today operates seven factories located across the country. In 2009 its sales reached INR 52,224 million. Nestlé India has benefited from Nestlé’s global R&D network, with innovative PPPs such as Maggi noodles, Masala ae magic spice seasoning and Chotu Munch chocolate confectionery.