Philipp Navratil, CEO, Nestlé S.A., along with Manish Tiwary, Chairman and Managing Director, Nestlé India, met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi this week.
India emerged as the highest-performing market for Nestle in the first half of CY2026 and has the potential to become one of the top five markets, the Swiss packaged food major’s Global CEO, Philipp Navratil, said on Wednesday.
“ Emerging markets have been driving growth for Nestle across the board and India is leading the pack. In the first half of the CY2026 India was the highest performing market in terms of growth. It is among the top ten markets for us and it it becoming among the top five markets on the horizon,” he said.
Navratil, who is on an India visit, said the company’s products are widely distributed and can drive the right value propositions across different price points. The company’s India portfolio includes brands such as KitKat, Maggi, Munch, Nescafe, and Purina, among others.
Nestle to invest in India across production, R&D and talent
“Structurally in India , there is long-term growth potential with a large number of consumers that will move into the middle class, growing urbanization and growing access to brands at both the premium spectrum and the value conscious spectrum…..As we continue to focus on volume-led growth, we will invest in India not only in production capabilities but also in R&D, developing talent, driving business services and IT and IT es services for us,” Navratil said while addressing a select media roundtable.
Nearly 90 per cent of the raw materials used by the packaged food major in India to make its products are sourced domestically. Nestle India also exports to about 28 markets. Stating that India is the company’s “largest priority” Navratil added that India has been an example of RIG-led growth (Real Internal Growth) for the company. “ We are seeing volume growth by serving more consumers and getting into more households, but also there is an opportunity to premiumise the portfolio,” he noted.
Nestle welcomes transparency in food labelling
Responding to a query on increasing regulatory scrutiny on packaged food companies in India, Navratil said, “ Even if its not regulated we welcome transparency. It is important for consumers to recognise the ingredients that go in their cupboard. If the front of the pack labelling regulation is brought in different shapes and forms… we welcome it. We have seen other countries doing that. It has to be done in the right way. For instance: it has to be done by portion and not by grammage because consumers eat portions not grams of products. We welcome transparency as this will enable populations to be healthier and consumers informed and make better choices. If we are asked to, we are happy to collaborate and give our scientific point of view and share our learnings from other countries.”
He added that Nestle India already voluntarily makes disclosures regarding Recommended Dietary Allowance on the front of the packs.
Company focuses on nutrition, healthier food options
Noting that consumers are increasingly seeking healthier food options, Navratil added, “Since the very inception of Nestle, we are focused on selling nutrition and not calories, and so we are a nutrition company, and we always try to make the products that we sell as nutritious as possible besides also offering indulgent products.
Published on August 26, 2026
