Nestle Global CEO Cites India as Top-Performing Market in H1 CY2026

Nestle S.A. Global CEO Philipp Navratil, accompanied by Nestle India Chairman and Managing Director Manish Tiwary, met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a recent visit to India. Speaking at a media roundtable on Wednesday, Navratil announced that India emerged as the highest-performing market for the Swiss packaged food major in terms of growth during the first half of CY2026.

Currently ranking among the top ten markets globally for the company, Navratil noted that India is on track to enter the top five. He attributed this trajectory to structural growth drivers, including a expanding middle class, increased urbanization, and wider access to brands across both value-conscious and premium segments.

Nestle India's portfolio features well-known brands such as Maggi, KitKat, Munch, Nescafe, and Purina. Navratil emphasized that the company's focus remains on volume-led growth by reaching more households, alongside opportunities to premiumize its offerings. He stated that the company plans to continue investing in Indian production capabilities, research and development, talent development, and business services.

According to the company, nearly 90 percent of the raw materials used to manufacture Nestle products in India are sourced domestically. Additionally, Nestle India exports its products to approximately 28 markets. Navratil described India as the company's largest priority and an example of Real Internal Growth (RIG), driven by volume expansion.

Addressing questions regarding regulatory scrutiny on packaged food companies in India, Navratil stated that the firm welcomes transparency, regardless of formal mandates. Commenting on potential front-of-pack labeling regulations, he suggested that implementation should be based on portions rather than grammage, as consumers eat portions rather than grams. He added that Nestle India already makes voluntary disclosures regarding Recommended Dietary Allowance on its packaging and is willing to collaborate with authorities by sharing its scientific perspective and international experiences.

Navratil reiterated the company's focus on nutrition, stating that Nestle prioritizes selling nutrition alongside indulgent products to meet the rising consumer demand for healthier food options.

"Nestle's performance in India highlights the immense commercial value driven by domestic sourcing, volume growth, and a diversified product portfolio catering to both value and premium consumers. For businesses operating in the consumer goods and retail sectors, aligning with urbanization trends and maintaining supply chain localization are key factors for long-term scalability. Furthermore, proactively supporting regulatory transparency and consumer health preferences builds enduring brand trust in high-growth emerging economies." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes