With an increasing number of individuals choosing plant-based alternatives for their morning latte, whether they’re enjoying it at home or on the go, baristas worldwide are seeking options that deliver the perfect taste and texture. Responding to this demand, Nestlé Professional has been expanding its range of plant-based dairy alternatives for food service professionals. Leveraging Nestlé’s global expertise in plant-based innovation, the company is not only providing these innovative products but also sharing its knowledge through a series of webinars led by the Nestlé Professional team. This initiative aims to support baristas and other out-of-home providers in meeting the needs of their customers who prefer plant-based options.
In recent times, there has been notable attention on out-of-home launches in Asia. One such launch occurred earlier this year in Thailand, where Nestlé introduced the Nestlé Barista, a coconut-based drink made from plant ingredients. The primary aim of this product was to satisfy the local consumer demand for refreshing cold beverages.
Over the past year, Nestlé has introduced two new plant-based dairy alternatives in China, both falling under the Nestlé Barista brand. These innovative products include a pea-based and an oat-based option. Crafted by skilled baristas, these dairy alternatives are specifically designed to cater to the local market’s preferences. They can be seamlessly incorporated into both hot and cold coffee and tea beverages, providing a delightful experience for consumers.
Additionally, Nestlé expanded its Nestlé Barista brand by introducing a pea-based dairy alternative specifically crafted for baristas. This new product was successfully launched in South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore, targeting the thriving coffee markets in these countries. By catering to the needs of baristas, Nestlé aims to provide a high-quality dairy alternative that delivers excellent performance and taste in these regions.
In Latin America, the launch of the Nature’s Heart Barista plant-based oat drink in Brazil at the end of 2022 brought a new sensation to the region. This innovative beverage is tailored for both hot and cold applications, making it a versatile choice. One of its standout features is its ease of steaming and pouring, making it the perfect canvas for crafting intricate latte art.
In Latin America, the Nature’s Heart Barista plant-based oat drink was launched in Brazil at the end of 2022 for hot and cold applications. The beverage is easy to steam and pour – making it perfect for latte art.
The Nature’s Heart brand also rolled out a powdered plant-based creamer based on rice, designed for Nescafé automatic machines. This new product enables customers with self-service machines to be able to offer plant-based drinks to their consumers as well.
As Manuel Aleman, global category lead coffee ingredients and plant-based beverages at Nestlé Professional, explains, “The trend towards more plant-based options remains, with around 40% of consumers around the world already moving to a diet with less or no animal products. Taste is key for people to choose and stay in the category, especially flexitarians who are an important target group for dairy alternatives in out-of-home.”
In addition to the recently launched out-of-home offerings, Nestlé has a strong and growing portfolio of plant-based dairy alternatives that people can use at home. A recent addition to the retail space is the oat and fava plant-based beverages which were launched in the U.S. under the natural bliss brand.
R&D capabilities for dairy alternatives:
Leveraging its wide-ranging innovation expertise, Nestlé excels in both dairy products and alternatives to dairy. This positions the company exceptionally well to deliver pertinent solutions for out-of-home use across different countries.
Zenon Mandralis, Head of R&D for Nestlé Professional says, “Our goal is to offer baristas and our customers plant-based alternatives that are very easy to froth, making the perfect latte or cappuccinos. Our scientists, product developers, and baristas work together to ensure that the products are also great-tasting and nutritious, with the right foam texture, mouthfeel, and appearance.”
Nestlé’s largest research and development center for milk and milk alternatives, located in Konolfingen, Switzerland, serves as the primary driving force behind this endeavor. Comprising of R&D experts, the center works diligently to develop and refine products specifically designed for professional machines used in cafes, bars, and restaurants worldwide. To ensure seamless collaboration, the center closely coordinates with Nestlé Professional R&D team in Orbe, Switzerland.
Additionally, Nestlé’s regional innovation centers, including the one in China, play a vital role in tailoring the products to suit local taste preferences, provide beverage menu variety, and cater to specific dietary needs. This collaborative effort ensures that Nestlé delivers customized solutions that resonate with diverse consumer preferences across the globe.
Plant-based expertise for food service professionals:
Nestlé Professional stands as the unrivaled global leader in providing branded solutions for hot and cold beverages, as well as local food, catering specifically to the out-of-home industry. As part of its commitment to customer satisfaction, the company organizes regular webinars where it generously shares its wealth of experience with food service customers. Through these interactive sessions, Nestlé Professional equips its clientele with invaluable insights, industry knowledge, and best practices, fostering mutual growth and success.
