-
Nestlé’s South Asia supply chain story is about making a very global company feel extremely local at shelf. The article explains how Nestlé combines AI-driven planning, control towers and predictive analytics with a strong on-ground understanding of kirana behaviour, climate and infrastructure constraints. Digital tools sit on top of robust basics: disciplined S&OP, tight collaborations with distributors and co-packers, and a sharp focus on food safety and freshness.
There is also emphasis on talent—upskilling teams to read data, experiment with new tools and still respect “floor realities” like route feasibility, unloading time and retailer cash cycles. For FMCG operators in India, this case shows what “maturity” looks like: tech is not a shiny add-on, but quietly embedded in how demand is sensed, product is moved and risk is managed.
