Nestle India , a leading food and beverage company, has taken a significant step to bolster its presence in India by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) during the World Food India Summit 2025 in New Delhi. The agreement focuses on expediting investments in both greenfield and brownfield projects in Odisha, as well as expanding the company's existing manufacturing facilities.

Investment and Expansion Plans

The MoU underscores Nestle India's commitment to the food processing sector in India, with plans to invest in Odisha and other existing manufacturing locations over the next two to three years. This strategic move is expected to create both direct and indirect employment opportunities, contributing to the country's economic growth and aligning with the government's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.

Commitment to Sustainable Growth

Manish Tiwary, Chairman and Managing Director of Nestle India, emphasized the company's focus on creating sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready food systems. He stated, "This is also expected to create both direct and indirect employment opportunities, reinforcing our commitment to India's growth story as we continue on this journey towards Atmanirbhar Bharat."

Nestle's Extensive Presence in India

With over 113 years of presence in India, Nestle has established a robust network across the country:

• Collaborates with over 100,000 farmers, including those in dairy, coffee, spices, wheat, sugarcane, and rice sectors
• Operates nine factories producing high-quality products
• Reaches consumers through 10,000 distributors and redistributors
• Products available in 5.2 million retail outlets

Social Initiatives and Community Impact

Nestle India has also been actively involved in various social initiatives:

• Touched more than 16 million lives through nutrition awareness programs
• Implemented education and waste management initiatives
• Provided access to clean drinking water and sanitation
• Supported feeding interventions
• Trained street food vendors on food safety and hygiene
• Engaged in village adoption initiatives to enhance community welfare

Looking Ahead

The agreement with the Ministry of Food Processing Industries marks a new chapter in Nestle India's growth story. As the company continues to invest in brands and infrastructure, it aims to promote economic progress and improve the quality of life for Indian citizens. With its commitment to innovation and sustainable practices, Nestle India is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of the food processing industry in the country.

This strategic move not only reinforces Nestle's position in the Indian market but also aligns with the government's vision for boosting the food processing sector and creating more employment opportunities in the country.

Nestle India Limited , a leading food and beverage company, has announced a significant change to its board composition. The company has nominated Mandeep Chhatwal to be appointed as a non-executive director, effective from January 1, 2026, subject to necessary approvals.

Board Nomination Process

The proposal for Chhatwal's appointment will be placed before the Board of Directors at the upcoming meeting for consideration, following a recommendation from the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. This move aligns with the company's commitment to maintaining strong corporate governance practices.

Mandeep Chhatwal's Profile

Mandeep Chhatwal brings a wealth of experience to his potential new role at Nestlé India:

• Current Position: Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Zone Asia, Oceania & Africa (AOA) at Nestlé's global headquarters in Vevey, Switzerland.
• Education: MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad.
• Experience: Over 30 years in the finance sector, with a strong background in strategic thinking and operational acumen.

Career Trajectory at Nestlé

Chhatwal's journey with Nestlé spans several decades and countries:

1. 1989: Began his career at Nestlé India, developing financial capabilities across factory and sales operations.
2. 2004: Transitioned to other markets within the Nestlé Group.
3. Previous Roles:
   • CFO of Nestlé Sri Lanka
   • Global Head of Financial Services
   • Head of Corporate Finance & Deputy Treasurer
   • CFO of Nestlé Philippines
4. 2021-Present: Oversees the finance function across 112 countries in the Asia, Oceania & Africa region.

Impact and Expertise

In his current role, Chhatwal is responsible for:

• Spearheading strategy
• Managing performance
• Ensuring financial governance in one of Nestlé's most diverse regions

His nomination to Nestlé India's board is expected to bring valuable global perspective and financial acumen to the company's operations in India.

This strategic move by Nestlé India to nominate Mandeep Chhatwal as a non-executive director underscores the company's focus on bringing diverse, international expertise to its board. As the food and beverage industry continues to evolve, Chhatwal's extensive experience in finance and his deep understanding of Nestlé's global operations could prove instrumental in shaping the company's future strategies in the Indian market.