PICTURE & STORY BY HERBERT PERERA
Nestle’ Lanka Limited, the ‘Good Food Good Life’ company marks 120 years of operations in Sri Lanka this year. From its humble beginnings in 1906, Nestle’ Lanka is now the leading food and Beverages Company in the country, manufacturing over 90% of its products sold locally in Sri Lanka Guided by its purpose of unlocking the power of food and beverages to enhance quality of life, for everyone, today and for generations to come, Nestle’ Lanka has enriched Sri Lankan Lives by delighting consumers, providing livelihoods, and safeguarding the planet.
Over the decades, Nestle’ Lanka has focused on going good for individuals and families by offering tastier and nutritious choices that cater to local nutritional needs, from birth to old age. Through its portfolio of trusted and loved brands, Nestle’ Lanka provides micronutrient-fortified products that support healthier lives, while maintaining an uncompromising focus on food safety and quality. Further, the company promotes a healthy and active lifestyle through the sponsorship of sporting activities by iconic brands such as NESTOMALT and MILO.
Beyond its products, Nestle’ Lanka’s impact extends into communities across the country. By working closely with local dairy and coconut farmers, the company continues to strengthen livelihoods through long-term partnerships, skills development and responsible sourcing, contributing meaningfully to the local economy. Nestle’ Lanka also remains deeply committed to empowering youth, by providing access to learning, skills and opportunities that help young Sri Lankan’s be more employable through the Nestle’ Needs youth initiative, while reinforcing its continued commitment to being an employer of choice in Sri Lanka. People are at the heart of Nestle’, and fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace is fundamental to how the company operates. Through partnerships with organizations such as Biconnected, Nestle’ Lanka continues to support people with disabilities by helping improve employability and creating more inclusive pathways to work.
Doing good for the planet is a responsibility Nestle’ Lanka approaches with long-term intent and tangible action. Guided by its ambition of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050, sustainability is deeply embedded into the company’s operations. Over the years, Nestle’ Lanka has taken meaningful steps to reduce the environmental footprint of its operations, including the commissioning of a biomass boiler in 2024 to lower carbon emissions in its manufacturing operations and utilizing 100% renewable electricity at its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Kurunegala.
As part of Nestle’ Lanka’s journey towards building a circular economy, the company continues to take a thoughtful and proactive approach to addressing packaging waste. This includes pioneering the switch from plastic to paper straws in aseptic beverage cartons in 2019, as well as supporting the establishment of the country’s first recycling plant for aseptic beverage cartons, helping strengthen local recycling infrastructure and enable responsible disposal at scale . Looking ahead, Nestle’ Lanka aims to become 100% plastic neutral in 2026.
Commenting on this milestone, Bernie Stefan, Chairman and Managing Director of Nestle’ Lanka said, “Celebrating 120 years in Sri Lanka is a moment of immense pride for all of us at Nestle’. This milestone reflects not only the longevity of our business, but the trust generations of Sri Lankan families have placed in us and the strong partnerships we have built across the country. For over a century, we have been committed to Working Together for Good – Contributing meaningfully to the Sri Lankan economy, supporting livelihoods, and positively impacting communities, while consistently providing tasty and nutritious products That consumers love. Through iconic brands such as NESTOMALT, MILO and MAGGI to name a few, we have been part of everyday moments in Sri Lankan homes, helping nourish families and support healthier, more active lifestyles. As we look ahead, we remain firmly committed to continuing this journey with purpose, responsibility and care, enriching Sri Lankan lives every single day.
As Nestle’ Lanka looks ahead, the company remains committed to strengthening its local footprint, and deepening its impact to individuals and families communities and the planet.
