Nestle India was honored with the “Best Industry – Product Innovation for Mainstreaming Millets” award by Nutrihub, ICAR-IIMR during the acclaimed “International Nutri-Cereal Convention 5.0.” This recognition, presented at the event hosted by Nutrihub, IIMR-ICAR, underscores Nestle India’s steadfast commitment to excellence and innovation in the food industry. The convention successfully brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including policymakers, producers, processors, researchers, academicians, R&D institutes, incubators, startups, micro-entrepreneurs, and NGOs operating in the millets ecosystem.
Commenting on the faster adoption of millets, Suresh Narayanan, chairman and managing director, Nestlé India said, “Nestlé India is deeply honoured to receive best industry- product innovation for mainstreaming millets award. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to providing nutritious and healthy food options to consumers across the country combined with the determination of the Nestlé India team to bring this vision to life. I am extremely pleased that we have launched millet-based products such as Nestlé a + Masala Millet with bajra, Nestlé CEREGROW grain selection with ragi, MAGGI Oats Noodles with Millet Magic with jowar and ragi amongst others. I extend my gratitude and sincerely congratulate the Government of India for being instrumental in bringing millets to the center stage and making 2023 the International Year of Millets. We believe this momentum of bringing millets or “shree anna” to the forefront needs to be sustained through partnerships between corporates, academics, and authorities.”
Dr. B Dayakar Rao, chief executive officer, Nutrihub said, “On behalf of Nutrihub, ICAR-IIMR and Poshak Annaj awards committee, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Nestlé India for their unwavering dedication and important contribution in the field of millets.”
Nestlé India’s efforts to encourage the adoption of millets underscore its dedication to fostering sustainable and varied food choices. Simultaneously, these initiatives demonstrate a commitment to supporting farmers and local communities, thereby contributing to the enhancement of the agricultural sector and creating positive social impact.
The inclusion of millets plays a pivotal role in advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG-3, emphasizing good health and well-being, SDG-4, promoting responsible consumption and production, and SDG-5, addressing climate action. Nestlé India’s strategic emphasis on millets is positioned to have a substantial influence on the food industry, fostering the promotion of more sustainable food choices for consumers.