India is emerging as one of the fastest-growing coffee markets for Nestlé, the Swiss food and beverage giant. With a rising trend of at-home coffee consumption and the growing popularity of café culture, Nestlé sees significant growth opportunities in the Indian market. Philipp Navratil, Head of Nestlé’s Coffee Strategic Business Unit, highlighted the increasing demand for premium coffee beverages and the desire for authenticity among Indian consumers. While Nestlé’s coffee division contributed 12% to its revenues in India last year, the company plans to invest further in the country to capitalize on its growth potential.
Nestlé acknowledges India as one of the most rapidly growing coffee markets globally. The country’s large population and evolving consumer preferences drive the demand for more sophisticated coffee experiences. Consumers in India are increasingly interested in learning about their coffee, including its ingredients, brewing methods, and origins. This trend toward authenticity and premiumization presents favorable conditions for Nestlé to expand its market penetration. In line with the coffee shop-inspired trend, specialty coffee brands and coffee shops are also gaining popularity in India.
Nestlé already offers a range of Nescafé products in India, such as Nescafé Classic, Gold, and Sunrise blends. Last year, the coffee division contributed significantly to Nestlé’s revenues in the country. To further capitalize on growth opportunities, Nestlé announced an investment of Rs 5,000 crore ($613 million) in India by 2025. Half of this investment will focus on scaling Nestlé’s coffee and confectionery portfolio, indicating the company’s commitment to the Indian market.
Although premiumization is currently driving faster growth in the coffee segment, Nestlé believes that the market’s true potential lies in its core products. Nescafé Classic, Nescafé Sunrise, and other pre-mixed products continue to be the main focus for Nestlé in India. The company does not have immediate plans to introduce its premium coffee machines and pods in the Indian market. Nestlé recognizes the larger market size and opportunities in the core coffee product category, catering to a wider consumer base.
Nestlé faces competition in the Indian retail packaged coffee market from Tata Coffee, a subsidiary of the Tata Group. Tata Coffee reported growth in revenues and profits, driven by the recovery of consumer footfall in hospitality venues across India. Tata Coffee operates popular retail packaged coffee brands, including Eight O’Clock Coffee, Tata Coffee Grand, and Sonnets by Tata Coffee. This competition highlights the dynamic nature of the Indian coffee market and the various players vying for market share.
India’s coffee market is rapidly expanding, and Nestlé recognizes the immense growth opportunities it presents. With rising at-home coffee consumption, the growth of café culture, and increasing demand for premium coffee experiences, Nestlé aims to strengthen its presence in the Indian market. While focusing on its core products, the company continues to innovate and invest in India to tap into the country’s evolving coffee landscape.
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