Nestlé India is embracing millets as a key ingredient to offer consumers a wider array of food choices. In alignment with the government’s emphasis on millets, Nestlé India is developing a unique food lineup across its various brands, highlighting millets as a more sustainable dietary choice through collaborative efforts and inventive product offerings. As part of this endeavor, Nestlé India has introduced Nestlé a+ Masala Millet, which includes bajra and can be savored as a light and nutritious meal throughout the day.
Offered in two delectable flavors, Tangy Tomato and Veggie Masala, Nestlé a+ Masala Millet is available in a multi-serving pack priced at INR 175 for 240 gm and a single-serving pack priced at INR 30 for 40 gm. This product is rich in fiber, contains 30% fewer calories, and is devoid of added preservatives. It has been developed in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR). Nestlé India has also introduced a range of other millet-based cereals, including Nestlé CEREGROW Grain Selection with ragi, Nestlé MILO Cocoa Malt with bajra, and Nestlé KOKO KRUNCH Millet-Jowar breakfast cereals.
India holds the distinction of being one of the world’s leading millet producers, contributing to 20% of the global millet production. In a significant partnership, Nestlé R&D Centre India in Manesar, a subsidiary of Nestlé S.A and an integral part of Nestlé’s global R&D network, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Nutrihub-IIMR. The primary objective of this collaboration is to work together in various domains, including millet processing, exploring the health and nutritional advantages of millets, promoting sustainable regenerative agricultural practices for millets, and fostering connections with innovative startups.
Commenting on the faster adoption of millets, Suresh Narayanan, Chairman and Managing Director, Nestlé India said, “Millets have been associated with India’s agricultural heritage and with 2023 identified as the International Year of Millets, it is only appropriate that it is brought to the forefront with increased awareness and suitable products. I am delighted to announce our ambition to incorporate millets into relevant product categories. We have already introduced millets into some of our products and the launch of Nestlé a+ Masala Millet is another step in that direction.”
Dr C Tara Satyavathi, Director, IIMR said, “Millets are superfoods and have high nutritional benefits which have been recognized both in India and worldwide. The focus this year will be to raise awareness on millets especially amidst the adverse and changing climatic conditions, while highlighting the opportunities it can create for producers, farmers and consumers. We are very pleased to collaborate with Nestlé India and to be able to offer the benefits of these super grains to a larger audience.”
Nestlé India’s efforts to champion millets underscore its dedication to advancing sustainable and varied food choices, all the while providing support to farmers and local communities. As the company progresses with its millet-centric strategy, it stands on the brink of making a substantial impact on the food industry and enhancing the range of food selections available to consumers.
