Nestlé India posts 18.3 per cent domestic growth in Q3

MUMBAI: Nestlé India is proving that there is always room for a little more on the plate, serving up a feast of financial results and strategic shifts that suggest the company is far from reaching its boiling point.

The company has reported a significant surge in its financial performance for the third quarter ended 31st December 2025, driven by a sharp rise in domestic demand. The company’s latest regulatory filing reveals a multifaceted strategy that combines robust shareholder returns with a structural overhaul of its executive leadership and a long-term commitment to sustainable energy sourcing. With domestic sales growing by 18.3% compared to the same period last year, the company is positioning itself to maintain momentum through both operational efficiency and strategic capital allocation.

The financial results for the quarter ending December 2025 show that domestic sales reached Rs 54,026 million, contributing to a total revenue from operations of Rs 56,670.4 million. For the nine-month period, the company’s total revenue stands at Rs 163,017 million. In light of these results, the Board of Directors declared a second interim dividend of Rs 7 per equity share for the fifteen-month financial year ending 31st March 2026. This dividend, amounting to a total outflow of Rs 13,498.2 million, is scheduled for payment starting 26th February 2026 to shareholders registered as of the 11th February record date.

The company is also undergoing a significant transition in its top-tier management. Edouard Mac Nab, currently the head of finance & control at Nestlé Canada, has been appointed as the new chief financial officer and executive director – finance & control, effective 1st March 2026. He succeeds Svetlana Boldina, who will be transitioning to a new role within a Nestlé Affiliate. Additionally, Jagdeep Singh Marahar will take over as executive director – technical on 1st June 2026, following the retirement of Satish Srinivasan. These leadership changes come at a time when the company is increasingly focused on digital transformation and operational profitability.

In a move to secure its future energy needs and meet sustainability targets, Nestlé India has approved an investment in two Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) in collaboration with Adani Green Energy Limited and Radiance Renewables Private Limited. The company will acquire up to a 26 per cent stake in these SPVs to develop captive renewable energy projects. Under this arrangement, Nestlé India will consume at least 51 per cent of the power generated, allowing its manufacturing units to transition to green energy. This initiative is designed to provide a reliable and cost-effective power supply while significantly reducing the company’s environmental footprint.

The net profit for the quarter was reported at Rs 10,180.6 million, a figure that includes the impact of several exceptional items. The company benefited from a Rs 2,023.2 million write-back due to the resolution of long-standing income tax disputes. However, this was partially offset by Rs 350 million in restructuring costs and a Rs 103.7 million charge related to the implementation of new Government Labour Codes, specifically regarding the updated definition of wages for gratuity benefits. For the cumulative nine-month period, the company’s total profit stands at Rs 23,881.8 million.

Total expenses for the quarter were recorded at Rs 46,319.1 million, with the nine-month total reaching Rs 134,840.9 million. Despite the costs associated with raw materials and the recent structural adjustments, Nestlé India’s Ebitda for the quarter remained strong at Rs 12,020.7 million. By integrating renewable energy into its supply chain and refreshing its executive board, the company is shifting its focus toward a model of sustainable growth that balances high-volume domestic sales with modernised corporate governance and environmental responsibility.

For the average investor or consumer, the message is clear: Nestlé is continuing to cook up a storm in the Indian market, ensuring there is plenty of growth left to savour.