Nestlé backs India’s front-of-pack labelling push, seeks science-based approach

New Delhi: The global chief executive of Nestlé SA, Philipp Navratil, Wednesday said the Swiss food and beverage major welcomes India’s proposed mandatory front-of-pack labelling for items high on salt, sugar or fat content, but believes there’s room for manufacturers to chip in with their views to make the consumer awareness programme more scientific.

“It’s always good to have a voice from companies; there might be different views (on the subject). We can be part of the debate in terms of making sure it is scientifically done,” Navratil said, in response to ET’s specific query on the subject at a select media roundtable in New Delhi.

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Nestlé would “definitely collaborate and share its experiences from other countries” with the government on front-of-pack labelling, if asked, Navratil said.

The exercise should replicate actual consumption patterns instead of a blanket direction tied to grammage. “So, for example, labelling by portions and not by grammage (should be considered), because sometimes people eat portions, they don’t eat grams of products,” he said.

His India visit comes just weeks after the Supreme Court criticised the Centre and the packaged foods regulator — Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) — on delays in enforcing the mandatory labelling. The contentious labelling has been in the works for nearly a decade now.

Packaged foods companies are also facing unprecedented FSSAI scrutiny on allegations of mislabelling and exaggerated or incorrect labelling on packs.

As of now, Nestlé India voluntarily declares front-of-pack Guideline Daily Amount (GDA) for fat, sugar and sodium content on its brands such as Maggi noodles and pasta, and on large packs of chocolates Milky Bar and KitKat.

Investment Commitments

Navratil and Nestlé India managing director Manish Tiwary also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the company’s commitment to the country. Nestlé India has invested about Rs 2,830 crore in capacity expansion over the past two financial years.

Last month, it announced a new Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Hyderabad through its shared services division, Nestlé Business Solutions (NBS), in partnership with Genpact.

The India unit of Nestlé SA, which counts Maggi instant noodles and KitKat chocolates among its core brands, reported a 48% increase in consolidated net profit to Rs 959 crore for the first quarter ended June 2026 on the back of volume-led growth. Consolidated revenue from operations increased 25% year-on-year to Rs 6,378.2 crore.

Also Read: Nestle backs stricter food labelling norms, says transparency key for consumers

Navratil said India is a “global growth priority and is on track to become a top-five market by revenue,” though he did not specify a timeline.

His views align with those of global consumer companies such as Coca-Cola and Apple that have described India as a core growth market. Navratil also said emerging markets have been driving growth for Nestlé, “with India leading the pack and being the highest growth market in the first half of calendar year 2026.”

On a three-day India tour along with key members of the Nestlé SA board, this is also Navratil’s first visit to the country after he took over as chief of the world’s largest packaged foods company last year.

Navratil said the India business is pursuing growth by reaching more consumers and households and premiumisation even as it continues to retain affordability for value-sensitive consumers.

Currently, rural markets contribute 15% to the food maker’s total sales. For the full year ended March 2026, Nestlé India reported sales of Rs 23,154 crore.