Report

Nestlé India plans to launch new variations of its popular infant nutrition product, Cerelac, now without any processed sugar. The company made this choice in response to strong criticism earlier this year from the Swiss agency Public Eye and the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN). These organizations accused Nestlé of adding sugar to baby products, like infant formula, in poorer countries such as India, Africa, and Latin America, while offering sugar-free options in Europe and the UK.

Sugar-free Cerelac

In response to these concerns, Nestlé India announced the introduction of 14 new sugar-free options for Cerelac, bringing the total to 21. The first seven versions will launch in late November 2024, with the remaining options following in the weeks after. This decision marks a significant change, as the company has already reduced added sugar in its products by 30% over the past five years.

Suresh Narayanan, Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé India, stated that the project has been in progress for three years and reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to improving the nutritional quality of its products. This release is particularly meaningful as Cerelac celebrates its 50th anniversary in India, with its first production occurring at the Moga plant in Punjab in 1975.

This launch may help Nestlé enhance its reputation following the controversy while providing Indian parents with healthier feeding options for their infants.

Source: Foodtech Network