Nestle to invest in R&D Centre in India

Nestle has announced the establishment of an R&D Centre in India.

The facility will be built in Manesar, close to Nestle India's headquarters in Gurgaon, and will be operational in 2012.

This investment of around CHF 50 million ($50.72 million) will help to further strengthen the company's R&D capabilities in emerging markets.

It expects sales to reach 45% of total by 2020 in emerging markets.

The new center will focus on Popularly Positioned Products (PPPs), especially for India but also worldwide.

PPPs meet the specific needs of consumers with lower income levels by offering them high-quality, nutritionally enhanced products at affordable prices.

Nestle has had a presence in India since 1912 and today operates seven factories located across the country.

In 2009 its sales reached INR 52,224 million ($1,145.59 million).

Nestle India has benefited from Nestle's global R&D network, with innovative PPPs such as Maggi noodles, Masala ae magic spice seasoning and Chotu Munch chocolate confectionery.