Nestle Is Committed To Reduce Undernutrition In The Country — Gordhon

Nestlé has re-echoed its commitment to help reduce undernutrition in the country through micronutrient fortification. Speaking recently, the Chief Executive of Nestlé Nigeria, Dharnesh Gordhon said in 2012, Nestlé introduced a new range of fortified bouillon cubes by adding iron to the already iodine- fortified Maggi brand seasonings. He said in 2014, Nestlé reached 18.3 million households in the country with iron-fortified maggi cubes

Gordhon said that Nestlé has a huge stake in rural communities, sourcing agricultural raw materials from many farmers in the country. He said in 2014 alone, the company purchased 9,660 tonnes of soybean from local farmers. Soybean is a key element in the ingredient mix in maggi production to provide a distinctive fermented flavor.

Also, Category Business Manager, Culinary, Nordine Meguini, said in addition to improving the nutritional value of maggi by adding micronutrients, the product portfolio also promotes home cooking and consumption of vegetables through the home garden initiative and Maggi Star Kitchen.

He said that Maggi Star Kitchen travels to towns and cities week by week, providing information about balanced diets, micronutrient deficiencies and the importance of culinary hygiene through interactive cooking demonstrations, women’s forums, group discussions and presentation on micronutrient fortification. Meguini said that in 2014, Maggi Star Kitchen reached 2.3 million people in the country, while about 15,000 women are benefitting from the home garden initiative.

In the course of the visit to the factory, members of the media had a firsthand view of the production process. The Factory Manager, Mr Rakesh Verma, used the opportunity of the visit to share the secret of the decades of success of maggi brand, which can be attributed to the special ingredients in the product which is prepared in a unique way that only maggi knows.

Rakesh said the company has put in place a strict quality management system to check the quality and safety of products throughout the manufacturing process, from the raw materials to the finished products.