Nestlé Lanka has announced plans to invest approximately Rs. 9 billion over the next four years to further develop its manufacturing operations in Sri Lanka, as the company celebrates 120 years of presence in the country.

Speaking at a media briefing held to commemorate the milestone, Chairman and Managing Director Bernie Stefan stated that the investment will primarily focus on expanding production capacity for coconut milk powder, currently the company’s largest export product.

He noted that the expansion aims to meet the growing global demand for coconut based products while strengthening Sri Lanka’s position as a key export hub for Nestlé within the region.

Stefan emphasised that the company maintained its investment momentum even during Sri Lanka’s recent economic challenges, reflecting Nestlé’s long term confidence in the country’s potential.

He further highlighted that Sri Lanka holds a strategically important position within Nestlé’s South Asia region, which includes India and Bangladesh. According to Stefan, Sri Lanka remains the company’s oldest and one of its most mature consumer markets in the region, with per capita revenue significantly higher than in neighbouring markets.

Nestlé Lanka also continues to innovate its product portfolio to meet changing consumer preferences. Recent introductions include the spicier Maggi Papara Blast noodle variant and a smaller pouch format within the Milkmaid range designed for greater convenience.

Over the past three years alone, the company has contributed more than Rs. 35 billion in taxes to the Sri Lankan government.