Millets Take Center Stage: Nestle India's New Wave of Product Innovation

In a strategic move to align with the Indian government's 'International Year of Millets' campaign, Nestle India has embarked on a series of product innovations featuring millets as a key ingredient. The company's local R&D center has collaborated with the Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) to enhance the millet supply chain and foster innovation.

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As of November 2023, Nestle India has introduced several millet-based product ranges, spanning categories from porridge to instant noodles. These innovations, seamlessly integrated into well-known brands like Koko Krunch and MAGGI, aim to enhance consumer acceptance and awareness by leveraging familiar product formats.

"Millet, deeply rooted in India's agricultural heritage, deserves a spotlight, especially in 2023 designated as the International Year of Millets. Our goal is to introduce millets into more relevant product categories," stated Nestle India Managing Director Suresh Naravanan.

The recent additions to Nestle's product portfolio include Nestle CEREGROW Grain Selection with Ragi Milo Cocoa Malt and Nestle Koko Krunch Millet-Jowar breakfast cereals, showcasing the incorporation of different millet variants such as ragi, baira, and jowar.

Two notable innovations cater to the diverse tastes of Indian consumers in the porridge and instant noodles categories. The Maggi Oats Noodles with Millet Magic range introduces a blend of two millets, sorghum (jowar) and finger millet (ragi), along with oats, creating a flavorful experience. This offering aligns with Maggi's commitment to providing diverse options to consumers.

On the porridge front, the Nestle a+ Masala Millet brand introduces products featuring pearl millet (baira) in tomato and masala flavors. Tailored to local nutritional preferences, these porridges are crafted with locally sourced ingredients like bajra, barley, vegetables, and a blend of 10 spices. Moreover, they are high in fiber, preservative-free, and offer 30% fewer calories than commonly consumed cereal-based breakfast recipes.

Both product ranges will carry the endorsement logo of IIMR, reinforcing the commitment to quality and authenticity. The Maggi Oats Noodles with Millet Magic is priced at INR 175 for a pack of four servings, while the a+ Masala Millet is available at INR 175 (US$2.10) for a multi-serve 240g pack or INR 30 (US$0.36) for a single-serve 40g pack.

In addition to product launches, Nestle India is actively seeking collaborations with start-ups to explore further innovations with millets. The company aims to leverage local research institutions and its R&D Accelerator to encourage the utilization of millets in diverse food and beverage products. The R&D Accelerator serves as a regional platform facilitating rapid idea-to-market testing, demonstrating Nestle's commitment to fostering innovation in the millet space.