Nestle Malaysia invests RM150m to set up ASEAN’s first plant-based meal solutions facility in Shah Alam
07 Apr 2021
KUALA LUMPUR (April 7): Nestle (Malaysia) Bhd has invested a total of RM150 million to set up a plant-based meal solutions manufacturing facility in Shah Alam.
The facility, which is the first in ASEAN and one of the only two in Asia, will cater to the rising demand for plant-based food and will supply local demand as well as exports.
Nestle Malaysia chief executive officer (CEO) Juan Aranols said Malaysians are becoming interested in exploring alternatives to meat consumption, either because of health reasons or for environmental considerations.
“For them, we have developed an exciting range of new products that provide an excellent nutritional alternative supporting healthier and more sustainable lifestyles.
“To also note that, compared to the equivalent meat-based products, these plant-based solutions are also more sustainable as they have a much lower carbon footprint and they require less use of natural resources such as water or land.
“By accelerating the roll-out of our plant-based food and beverages, we are taking steps to shape a more sustainable future for all,” he added.
Meanwhile, Nestle executive vice president and CEO, zone Asia, Oceania and Sub-Saharan Africa, Chris Johnson said it has chosen Malaysia and Selangor as the location of the new manufacturing hub facility as it has the right infrastructure, trade links and access to talent and capabilities.
“We are confident that with this new facility, we will be able to capture the exciting growth opportunities for plant-based products in this region, which is a very important growth priority for the Nestle Group worldwide,” he added.
Located within Nestle’s existing Shah Alam Industrial Complex in Selangor, the new production site, with a built-up area of approximately 6,000 sq m, has an annual production capacity of 8,000 tonnes and is equipped with the latest food processing machinery and highly automated packing lines.
Nestle’s new plant has already commenced production of its new Harvest Gourmet plant-based products for the out-of-home market and is soon to launch its consumer range, to be available in retail nationwide and via e-commerce.
As at 11.37am, Nestle Malaysia shares were unchanged at RM135.50, giving it a market capitalisation of RM31.78 billion.
Source: The Edge Markets
