# Nestlé Pakistan

Nestlé Pakistan Limited (/ˈnɛsleɪ/ NESS-lay), a subsidiary of the Swiss multinational Nestlé, is a leading food and beverage company based in Lahore, Pakistan. It produces and markets a diverse range of products, including dairy, confectionery, coffee, beverages, infant nutrition, and bottled drinking water.
The company is publicly traded on the Pakistan Stock Exchange.

## History

Nestlé Pakistan was incorporated in 1979 as Milkpak Limited. It started producing packaged milk in 1981.
In 1984, Milkpak acquired the Frost branded juice line from its parent company, Packages Limited. Milkpak Ltd further expanded its products with the launch of Milkpak butter in 1985 and a line of packaged cream in 1986.

### Nestlé Acquisition and Growth

In 1988, Nestlé acquired a controlling stake in Milkpak and subsequently it was renamed as Nestlé Milkpak Limited.

### Recent Developments and Investments

Nestlé Pakistan has continued to invest in its operations and expand its production capabilities. In 2013, the company inaugurated a US $104 million EGRON (Milk Powder Drying Facility) Project at the Sheikhupura factory, increasing its yearly capacity by 30,000 tons. More recently, in 2019, Nestlé inaugurated a new USD 22 million manufacturing plant for its NESTLÉ FRUITA VITALS range at the Sheikhupura Factory, with a production capacity of 24,000 units per hour.

### Sustainability Initiatives

In line with global sustainability trends, Nestlé Pakistan has been investing in renewable energy. In December 2023, the company inaugurated a 2.5 MW solar power plant at its Kabirwala Factory, part of a Rs2 billion investment in renewable energy. This initiative aims to reduce power production costs, lower the import bill, and decrease carbon emissions.

### Market Position and Operations

Today, Nestlé Pakistan produces and markets a diverse range of products, including dairy, confectionery, coffee, beverages, infant nutrition, and bottled drinking water. The company is publicly traded on the Pakistan Stock Exchange and has consistently been among the top 25 companies on the Karachi Stock Exchange for ten consecutive years.
Nestlé Pakistan operates the largest milk collection system in the country, collecting milk from an estimated 190,000 farmers across Punjab and Sindh3. The company's commitment to local sourcing is evident, with over 90% of its raw and packaging requirements met locally in Pakistan.
Despite its success, Nestlé Pakistan has faced challenges, including controversies surrounding infant formula marketing practices in the 1990s and regulatory issues with its bottled water business in the early 2000s. However, the company has continued to invest in Pakistan, demonstrating its long-term commitment to the market.
In 2015, Nestlé began delivering pasturized milk to local homes in Lahore as a pilot project.

## Brands & Products

Nestlé Pakistan offers a wide array of products, catering to diverse needs across different life stages and consumer preferences. Nestlé Pakistan has been expanding its export reach, with Nestlé Fruita Vitals being one of the iconic brands now available in international markets. The company has successfully exported its products to 26 countries, generating $23 million in export revenue in 2024. Nestlé Fruita Vitals, along with other brands like Everyday and Milkpak Cream, is now available in diverse markets across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia. Here's a categorized breakdown based on the information available on their official website as of March 2025:

### Dairy
#### Nestlé MilkPak

A brand of UHT processed milk which is available in various sizes to cater different segments of market. Also, cream and butter is produced under same brand name.

#### Nestlé NESVITA

Hi-calcium, low-fat fortified milk designed to support bone health with added calcium and Vitamin D, targeted mainly towards women.

#### Nestlé Everyday:

A range of Tea and Dairy Whiteners targeting tea drinking demography in Pakistan; which ranks fifth globally in tea consumption.

#### Nestlé Bunyad:

Iron-fortified milk powder that address the market-gap of products for iron deficiency, particularly among children. According to the National Nutrition Survey 2018, 28.6% of children aged 6-59 months in Pakistan suffer from iron deficiency anemia, with 2.8 million new cases reported annually.

### Infant Nutrition
#### Nestlé Cerelac:

A range of fortified baby cereals designed for infants from 6 months onwards. CERELAC products are available in various flavors and formulations tailored to support healthy growth and development during the weaning period. Flavors include wheat, rice, fruits, and multigrain options, providing a balanced introduction to solid foods.

#### Nestlé NAN:

Infant formula designed to provide essential nutrients for infants:
Premium infant formula designed to provide complete nutrition for babies from birth onwards. NAN offers different stages (NAN 1, NAN 2, NAN 3) and varying needs (NAN Sensitive, NAN Lactose Free) formulated to meet the changing nutritional needs of infants as they grow.

#### Nestlé Lactogen:

Infant formula that provides essential nutrients for babies. LACTOGEN is formulated to support the healthy growth and development of infants who may not be breastfed or require supplemental feeding.

### Growing-Up Milks
#### Nestlé NIDO:

Fortified milk powder formulated for children aged 1 year and older (NIDO 1+, NIDO 3+, NIDO FortiGrow). NIDO products are enriched with vitamins and minerals to support healthy growth and development during childhood.

### Beverages
#### Nestlé FRUITA VITALS:

A range of fruit juices made from high-quality ingredients, offering a refreshing and nutritious beverage option. Available in flavors like Mango, Apple, Guava, and more.

#### Nestlé Milo:

Chocolate malt beverage loved by kids and adults, providing energy and essential nutrients. MILO is available in powder and ready-to-drink formats.

#### Nescafé:

A wide range of instant coffee and ready-to-drink coffee beverages. NESCAFÉ offers various blends (3 in 1, Classic, Gold) and formats to cater to different coffee preferences. Nescafé Pakistan is a leading coffee brand. Nescafé leverages the cultural significance and appeal of music to enhance its brand image and reach a wider audience associating itself with a popular music platform Nescafé Basement, a music television series launched in 2012.

### Culinary
#### Maggi:

Instant noodles, soups, and seasonings that provide convenient and flavorful meal solutions. MAGGI products (Noodles, Cubes, Rich Gravy Mix) are popular for their quick preparation and delicious taste.

#### Nestlé Chocolate:

A variety of chocolate products, including Kit Kat and Nestlé Milk Chocolate. These confectionery items offer a sweet treat for consumers of all ages.

### Breakfast Cereals

A range of ready-to-eat breakfast cereals that provide a nutritious and convenient start to the day. Products include:
* Nestlé Corn Flakes
* Nestlé KOKO KRUNCH
* Nestlé Milo Cereal

### Water
#### Nestlé Pure Life:

Purified bottled water that provides a safe and refreshing hydration option. NESTLÉ PURE LIFE is available in various sizes to meet different needs.

### Nestlé Professional

Nestlé Professional provides food and beverage solutions tailored to the needs of businesses and foodservice operators. Their offerings include:
* Coffee Solutions: NESCAFÉ coffee solutions designed for commercial use.
* Beverage Solutions: A range of juices, teas, and other beverage options for foodservice.
* Culinary Solutions: MAGGI professional products, including bouillons, seasonings, and sauces.
* Dairy Solutions: Dairy products tailored for professional kitchens.

## Plants

Nestlé operates two multi-purpose processing plants in Sheikhupura and in Kabirwala as well as two water packaging facilities in Islamabad and in Karachi.
Today, Nestlé Pakistan produces and markets a diverse range of products, including dairy, confectionery, coffee, beverages, infant nutrition, and bottled drinking water. The company is publicly traded on the Pakistan Stock Exchange and continues to be a significant player in Pakistan's food and beverage industry.

## Controversies

Water-related Issues
A forensic audit report submitted to the Supreme Court in 2018 revealed that between 2013 and 2017, Nestlé Pakistan extracted 4.43 billion liters of water without remitting significant payments to government departments. The report also noted that 1.9 billion liters (43%) of the extracted water was wasted, with 28% of this wastage remaining unexplained. Additionally, during a Supreme Court proceeding, a sample of Nestlé water was found unfit for human consumption.
Infant Formula Marketing
Nestlé Pakistan has faced serious allegations regarding its infant formula marketing practices. The company is accused of employing aggressive direct-to-consumer advertising as well as indirect promotion through health professionals. During the 1990s, Nestlé allegedly repeated controversial infant formula marketing practices in Pakistan. This first emerged in developing countries during the 1977 Nestlé boycott. A Pakistani salesman named Syed Aamir Raza Hussain became a whistle-blower against Nestlé. In 1999, two years after he left Nestlé, Hussain released a report in association with the non-profit organisation, International Baby Food Action Network, in which he alleged that Nestlé was encouraging doctors to push its infant formula products over breastfeeding. Nestlé has denied Raza's allegations. This story inspired the 2014 acclaimed Indian film Tigers by the Oscar winning Bosnian director Danis Tanović. There were further allegations of material inducements, including arrangements such as providing air conditioners to a military hospital in exchange for promoting Nestlé products.
Regulatory Issues
Nestlé Pakistan’s regulatory challenges include a 2005 notice from the Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) for the unauthorized sale of its ‘Pure Life’ brand. The company has also been embroiled in legal battles with Pakistani authorities, such as a claim for damages against the chairman of the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) over allegations related to water contamination.
Asif Javed Self-Immolation Incident
On February 25, 2025, Asif Javed, a former employee of Nestlé Pakistan, set himself on fire in front of the Lahore High Court (LHC) in protest against alleged delays in his legal battle with his former employer. Javed succumbed to his injuries on February 28, 2025, sparking widespread discussions on labor rights and judicial efficiency in Pakistan.
Asif Javed joined Nestlé Pakistan on October 8, 2007, becoming a permanent employee on January 8, 2008. He worked as a senior process operator at the Kabirwala factory and was recognized for his dedication to the company.
In July 2016, Javed and several colleagues were dismissed, allegedly for their involvement in union activities. They challenged their termination in the Labour Court, which ruled in their favor. The National Industrial Relations Commission (NIRC) later ordered their reinstatement and payment of dues in May 2019. Nestlé appealed the decision to the Lahore High Court in December 2020, where the case remained pending for over four years. The prolonged legal proceedings caused significant financial distress to Javed and his family.
On the day of the incident, Javed attended a hearing at the LHC. After leaving the courtroom, he set himself on fire while decrying the lack of justice. He was taken to Mayo Hospital but died three days later. Nestlé denied any deliberate delay in the court proceedings, maintaining their right to appeal the NIRC decision.
Javed's death reignited debates on labor rights, corporate responsibility, and the judicial system's efficiency in Pakistan.