* Continues efforts in driving Nutrition, Health and Wellness amongst people of Sri Lanka  

•           Revenue of LKR 9.2 billion, with YoY growth of 7.3%; Profit after tax of LKR 1.2 billion

•           Launches ‘IAAF Kids’ Athletics’ programme to promote physical activity among primary school children in Sri Lanka

•           Maggi Devilled X-Tra Green Chilli Noodles specially developed for local market

•           Nestlé Professional launches Docello range of dessert mixes for culinary professionals

•           Received award for ‘Empowering Dairy Development in Sri Lanka’

•           Maggi voted ‘Food Brand of the Year’ and ‘Youth Food Brand of the Year’ at SLIM Nielsen People’s Awards, for third consecutive year

Leading Nutrition, Health and Wellness company, Nestlé Lanka PLC, delivered a revenue of LKR 9.2 billion with a YoY growth of 7.3% for the first quarter ending 31 March 2015, despite a very challenging and volatile environment. The company posted a profit after tax of LKR 1.2 billion.

The first quarter of 2015 witnessed two new product launches, reflecting the company’s commitment to leverage global R&D capabilities to address local taste preferences. Maggi Devilled X-Tra Green Chilli Noodles, containing real green chilli, is the first of its kind to enter the local market. Nestlé Professional continued to provide solutions to the out-of-home sector, with the introduction of Nestlé Docello, an exciting range of dessert solutions that offer great taste and convenience.

As a company that is committed to being the leader in Nutrition, Health and Wellness in Sri Lanka, Nestlé strongly believes that in addition to having a well-balanced diet, it is equally important to maintain an active lifestyle, for a better quality of life. Following an understanding of the lack of sufficient physical activity amongst school children, Nestlé Lanka entered into a partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Athletic Association of Sri Lanka to launch the global ‘IAAF Kids’ Athletics’ programme, with an aim to promote a physical activity module amongst primary school children across the country.

“The first quarter of the year was eventful both in terms of product innovations and in driving our Nutrition, Health and Wellness (NHW) commitments across Sri Lanka,” said Shivani Hegde, Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka PLC. “We remain focused on innovating and renovating our portfolio to meet the changing lifestyles of our local consumers, and will continue to drive the growth momentum by investing in our brands and in our people,” she added.

Nestlé’s leading brand Maggi was voted ‘Food Brand of the Year’ and ‘Youth Food Brand of the Year’ at the SLIM Nielsen People’s Awards for the third consecutive year. Nestlé Lanka was further recognised for its efforts towards the development of the local dairy industry at the MASSCO Awards Ceremony 2015, receiving the award for ‘Empowering Dairy Development in Sri Lanka’. The company continues to be the largest private sector collector of fresh milk in Sri Lanka, collecting directly from farmers, and uses locally produced fresh milk for its dairy based products such as Nespray, Milo and Milkmaid.