Nestle India has rolled out a range of novel products integrating millets as a key ingredient, aimed at bolstering consumer awareness and acceptance through familiar product formulations. This initiative is in resonance with the Indian government’s campaign for the International Year of Millets. Nestle’s local R&D unit has partnered with the Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) to streamline the millet supply chain and drive innovation.
So far, Nestle India has introduced a variety of innovative millet-centric products, seamlessly incorporating them into renowned brands such as Koko Krunch and MAGGI across porridge and instant noodle segments. These launches serve to emphasise the importance of millets, deeply rooted in India’s agricultural legacy, during a year dedicated to honouring their significance.
Suresh Narayanan, Nestle India’s Managing Director, outlined the company’s goal, stating that they intend to incorporate millets into more suitable product categories. He highlighted their expansion in the breakfast category by introducing products such as Nestlé CEREGROW Grain Selection with ragi, Milo Cocoa Malt with bajra, and Nestlé Koko Krunch Millet-Jowar breakfast cereals. These products have been incorporated into categories well-recognized by Indian consumers, such as porridge and instant noodles.
Rajat Jain, the Foods Business Director at Nestle India, highlighted the potential of Maggi noodles in popularising millets across India. He elaborated on the new addition to the Maggi Oats Noodles with Millet Magic range, describing it as a blend of sorghum (jowar), finger millet (ragi), and oats infused with masala flavours. Jain emphasised that this amalgamation not only offers fibre and protein but also resonates with Maggi’s dedication to varied innovations.
Jagdeep Marahar, the Head of Nestle India’s R&D Centre, explained that the recently introduced a+ Masala Millet porridges, which incorporate pearl millet (bajra), present appealing flavours such as tomato and spice. He emphasised that these porridges were formulated to accommodate local tastes and nutritional needs by combining regionally procured ingredients like bajra, barley, vegetables, and a variety of 10 spices. Marahar highlighted their high fibre content, absence of preservatives, and the fact that they contain 30% fewer calories than conventional cereal-based breakfast recipes.
Nestle’s Maggi Oats Noodles with Millet Magic is priced at INR 175 while the a+ Masala Millet is priced at INR 175 for a multi-serve 240g pack and INR 30 for a single-serve 40g pack. Both will be available at leading retailers nationwide. Nestle has also unveiled plans to collaborate with startups, aiming to broaden millet incorporation across diverse product formats, focusing on innovation and enhancing consumer engagement.
