Nestle partners with Thakral Innovations as distribution partner for Nespresso

Packaged foods company Nestle has inked a partnership with real estate investment group Thakral Innovations as distribution partner for its luxury Nespresso boutiques in India, the company said. The partnership includes all channels including retail boutiques, online sales, Nespresso’s D2C platform, B2B and online and offline trade, Nestle said in a statement. Thakral Innovations’ core business comprises real estate investments, and marketing and distribution of brands in beauty, fragrances and lifestyle categories in South Asia, according to the company.

Philipp Navratil, global chief executive of Nespresso, said Nestle would consider setting up more such boutiques in India in metro cities, depending on consumer demand trends. “There is a huge consumer base. There is also a young consumer base that is longing for coffee experiences. But it will take time to establish and we are investing in the country for the long term potential,” he said.

Nespresso, which set up its first boutique in New Delhi earlier this month, could consider bringing in more coffee blends and machines as the market evolves, he said.

Nestle India said in its December quarter earnings that its powdered and liquid beverages business was the largest growth contributor in the quarter with high double-digit growth. The company, which also makes Maggi noodles and KitKat chocolate, said retail sales crossed Rs 2,000 crore in the last twelve months, led by Nescafe. Earlier last year, the India unit of the Swiss packaged foods maker rolled out its super premium coffee portfolio Nespresso with coffee capsules and machines as well as boutiques.