The Goa Management Association (GMA) delegation had the privilege of visiting the Nestlé plant in Ponda on 12 March 2025. This insightful industrial visit provided an opportunity to understand the operations, market presence, and corporate values of one of the world’s largest Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies.
The delegation was warmly hosted by Mr Sanjay Bhandari, Head – Corporate Affairs, West at Nestlé, who gave a detailed presentation about Nestlé’s history, market presence, and operational strategies. He elaborated on Nestlé’s journey from its initial imports in 1912 to the commencement of production in India in 1961 at the Moga facility. The company was listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange in 1969 and incorporated as Nestlé India in 1990.
Nestlé, headquartered in Switzerland, is the world’s largest FMCG company, with a strong presence in over 180 countries. The company is known for its extensive portfolio of products across various categories, including dairy, nutrition, beverages, confectionery, and culinary products. Nestlé’s global market leadership is driven by a strong commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability.
- Milk Products & Nutrition– The largest contributor to Nestlé’s revenue in India
- Prepared Dishes & Cooking Aids
- Powdered & Liquid Beverages
- Confectionery– The fastest-growing segment in Nestlé’s India operations
Nestlé maintains a strong market presence in the AOA (Asia, Oceania, Australia) market with this region contributing to 22% of Nestlé’s operations, which is expected to grow further. The company’s India operations account for 8% of its global market, with continued growth momentum.
During the presentation, Mr Bhandari highlighted Nestlé’s commitment to safety with the principle of being “safe by choice.” He provided insights into the company’s expansive 43-acre facility and its diverse business verticals.
He also discussed Nestlé’s “Creating Shared Value” (CSV) approach, which integrates business growth with social responsibility. This philosophy ensures that Nestlé contributes meaningfully to communities by promoting nutrition, sustainability, and economic development. An interesting highlight was the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, as demonstrated by its Sanand factory, where 65% of the workforce comprises women.
Plant Tour and Operations Overview
Following the presentation, the delegation was taken on a guided tour of the plant, where they observed Nestlé’s sophisticated manufacturing and operational processes. The team witnessed the production lines, quality control measures, and sustainable practices embedded in Nestlé’s operations. Nestlé’s focus on automation, efficiency, and adherence to stringent quality standards was evident in each stage of production.
Key Learnings and Impact on the Management Fraternity in Goa
The industrial visit to Nestlé Ponda was an enriching experience for the GMA delegation, providing valuable insights into the FMCG industry, Nestlé’s legacy, and its operational excellence. Observing best practices in manufacturing, quality assurance, and sustainability provided significant takeaways for Goa’s management professionals.
GMA aims to leverage insights from such visits to curate best practices that can benefit industries in Goa, particularly in areas of process optimization, workforce diversity, and responsible business practices. Learning from industry leaders like Nestlé will help local businesses implement strategies for operational excellence and sustainable growth.
GMA extends its gratitude to Mr Sanjay Bhandari and the Nestlé team for their warm hospitality and for facilitating an informative and engaging visit. This visit reaffirmed the importance of industry-academia collaboration and the role of management professionals in understanding global business practices at a local level.
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