Startups, regional brands good for business, says Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé India, Mr. Suresh Narayanan

Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé India, Mr. Suresh Narayanan, emphasised the critical role of startups and regional brands in enhancing consumer choice and driving innovation within established companies. Speaking to Press Trust of India (PTI), he highlighted that these smaller players push large firms like Nestlé to improve product offerings and become more agile. Nestlé India collaborates with startups through its accelerator programme to identify promising partners and foster growth. He noted that today’s consumers, particularly Gen Z and Gen Alpha, prioritise relevance and value over brand legacy, meaning products such as Maggi noodles must continuously evolve to meet their expectations rather than relying solely on heritage.

He also stressed Nestlé’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, a core value ingrained in the company’s Swiss multinational roots. Under his leadership, Nestlé India has reduced packaging materials by 8-10% and shifted towards environmentally friendly alternatives, while maintaining plastic neutrality for four years. Sustainability is embedded across operations, including procurement, with the entire coffee, milk, and spice supplies sourced sustainably. Diversity has been another focus area, with women representing 45% of the workforce at the Sanand factory in Gujarat, and 25% of the overall organisation comprising women. He concluded by reaffirming Nestlé India’s position as a major market for the global group, with revenue exceeding Rs. 20,000 crore (US$ 2.28 billion), as it accelerates its sustainable and inclusive growth trajectory.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.