Nestlé performs well in India despite pandemic

Nestlé’s health products saw an increase in demand due to Covid-19

Nestlé recently said that it witnessed buoyant sales in e-commerce sales, convenience foods and health ingredients which together contributed to 3.5 percent growth in the first nine months of this year.

While the Swiss food giant said that its total reported sales across the globe declined by 9.4 percent to CHF 61.9 billion (US$68.4 billion), it continued to perform well in the South Asian market. India reported strong mid-single-digit growth, on the heels of rising sales of Maggi, Nescafé and KitKat.

Mark Schneider, the CEO of the company expressed, “Strong organic growth was broad-based and supported by sustained momentum in the Americas, Purina PetCare and Nestlé Health Science, as well as the acceleration of our coffee business in the third quarter. We continue to develop our portfolio with speed and discipline. As an example, we are transforming Nestlé Health Science into a nutrition and health powerhouse through a combination of strong organic growth and targeted acquisitions.”

“The recent additions of Zenpep, Vital Proteins and Aimmune Therapeutics are further steps in the expansion of our nutritional health offerings,” added Schneider.

With the pandemic forcing the majority of businesses to function online, Nestlé saw significant demand in e-commerce consumption. Its e-commerce sales grew by 47.6%, reaching 12.3% of total Group sales. While its health products portfolio saw surging demand driven by Covid-19, its confectionery and water categories posted a dip in sales.