Nestlé India has reported a 3.8 per cent decline in its permanent employee count for the financial year ending 2024–25. This reduction comes as the company intensifies its capital expenditure efforts to build new capacities and enhance operational capabilities.
The total number of on-roll employees stood at 8,419, down from 8,736 in the previous year.
Despite the fall in headcount, the FMCG giant has increased its median employee remuneration by 4.9 per cent during the same period. Salaries for non-managerial employees rose by 5.2 per cent, while managerial staff received a 3.5 per cent increment. The company is endeavouring to balance cost with employee compensation, amidst internal restructuring.
There was also a change in leadership. Manish Tiwary was appointed as managing director for a five-year term starting 1 August, 2025. For the financial year, he received a total remuneration of Rs 29.94 million. In addition, a lump sum payment of Rs 151.96 million was made at the time of his joining to offset losses in long-term incentives from his previous role. The outgoing CMD, Suresh Narayanan, drew Rs 23.47 crore in total pay during the year.
The company’s capital expenditure saw a significant rise, reaching 10 per cent of total sales in FY2025, up from 1.8 per cent in FY2015. With over Rs 20,260 crore in total income reported, Nestlé India is investing subtantually in expanding product lines and setting up new facilities. One of the major projects underway includes a new factory in Sanand, Gujarat, focused on confectionery, prepared foods, and cooking aids.
As Nestlé India pushes for growth, its shifting workforce strategy and aggressive investments mark a clear pivot toward future-ready infrastructure.
