Nestlé Launches Affordable Nutrition Products to Tackle Malnutrition in Six African Nations
Nestlé has rolled out a new line of fortified powdered milk and soy beverages across six African countries as part of a broader initiative to combat malnutrition. The products, which include Nido and Bear Brand milk powders and Nestlé Everyday soy drink, are designed to deliver essential nutrients to vulnerable populations in Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Mali.
This launch is part of Nestlé’s Affordable Nutrition Strategy in Central and West Africa, a region where micronutrient deficiencies remain a significant public health concern. According to UNICEF, 32% of children under five in Sub-Saharan Africa are stunted due to malnutrition.
The fortified products are tailored specifically to meet local dietary deficiencies. They include added iron, zinc, calcium, and vitamins A and D—nutrients commonly lacking in the region. For example, the Nido and Bear Brand milk powders target children’s nutritional needs, while the Nestlé Everyday soy-based beverage is formulated to offer plant-based nourishment for broader household consumption.
To maximize accessibility, Nestlé has taken a value-based pricing approach, producing these items in regional factories to keep costs low. The company has also partnered with local distributors and retailers to improve availability, particularly in low-income urban and rural communities.
“Addressing malnutrition is both a business opportunity and a social imperative,” said Mauricio Alarcón, CEO of Nestlé Central and West Africa Region. He emphasized the company’s role in contributing to better health outcomes through impactful product innovation and strategic partnerships.
This development has notable implications for the FMCG sector, particularly in health-focused product innovation and inclusive growth strategies. As multinationals increasingly tailor offerings to meet both nutritional and economic realities of emerging markets, affordable fortified foods may become a growing segment, especially across regions where food insecurity and health inequality intersect.
Nestlé has committed to expanding the reach of these affordable nutrition products, partnering with NGOs and government programs to amplify impact. Its efforts align with broader ESG priorities and reflect an industry-wide pivot toward responsible growth with a focus on social impact.