Nestlé’s New Recipe for Success: Premium, Pet-Care, and Wellness Drive Next Growth Chapter

Former CMD Suresh Narayanan-headed Nestlé India is charting a dynamic new course to register double-digit growth, moving from volume-driven expansion to premiumization, pet-care, and wellness as the drivers of growth in the future. Narayanan, who retires on July 31, 2025, is certain that these changes in strategy will have Nestlé back on its high-growth path.

 

Key Highlights:

 

•⁠  ⁠Premiumization Drive: With Indian consumers becoming more and more aspirational, Nestlé is focusing on premium ranges of products in order to target higher value segments to avail of the "inflexion point" in India's consumer journey.

 

•⁠  ⁠Pet-Care Boom: The firm is placing big bets on pet-care, targeting India's fast-growing pet population—30–40 million, as estimated—and taking advantage of the low coverage of nutrition for pets currently. The industry is growing at double-digit rates, led by young, pet-owning consumers.

 

•⁠  ⁠Wave: Wellness products form another key pillar, as consumers are looking for more functional and healthier products. Nestlé's recent offerings in this segment reflect a long-term vision.

 

•⁠  ⁠Cost management: In spite of commodity headwinds, particularly in coffee and cocoa, Nestlé has ridden cost-reduction efforts and prudent pricing to defend margins and volume.

 

•⁠  ⁠Sustainability Commitment: The company continues to integrate sustainability into its business, from sustainable sourcing to ambitious net-zero targets.

 

Prospect: Nestlé India's premiumization, pet care, and wellness strategy placed it well for future growth. With a rich heritage, solid distribution, and emphasis on changing consumer trends, the company is poised for a new inning of innovation and leadership in the market.

 

Sources: Moneycontrol, Business Today, Economic Times