Nestle launches first coconut flavoured milk beverage

By Harshana Sellahewa

With innovation and nutritional science being at the forefront in Nestle’s DNA, Nestle Lanka recently introduced ‘Nespray Coco-Up’, Sri Lanka’s first dairy milk beverage with coconut, at a launch ceremony held at Hilton Residencies, Colombo.

Nestle Lanka has been the market leader for local milk-based beverages and has been manufacturing dairy products in Sri Lanka since 1984. Nespray Coco-Up is the brainchild of Nestle’s world leading Research and Development (R&D), and benefits from the company’s expertise in child nutrition and milk and coconut processing.

“Nespray offers a range of local milk products- trusted by mothers, that cater to children’s varying tastes and needs,” stated Nestle Lanka Dairy Vice President Ruwan Welikala at the launch event.

Coconut is a much-loved staple of cuisine in Sri Lanka and around the world, pepping up any meal or drink with a distinct refreshing taste. Milk, because it is naturally rich in calcium, plays an essential role in a child’s diet for growth and development.

“With its innovative recipe of fresh milk and coconut, Nespray Coco-Up now joins our strong portfolio with a unique consumption experience, making drinking milk more fun, adventurous and refreshing for kids,” Ruwan Welikala added.

Milky and delicious, with a subtle nutty taste, Nespray Coco-Up is made with Sri Lankan milk and coconut, contains no added artificial colours or preservatives, and is the country’s first dairy milk beverage to be enhanced with coconut extract; also being a first-of-its-kind product for Nestle worldwide.

Nestle is one of the largest exporters of coconut milk powder, positively impacting the livelihoods of more than 6,000 local coconut growers through its business. The company’s ‘Nestle Coconut Plan’ also supports new farmers and home growers to cultivate coconut successfully. The company has been manufacturing coconut milk powder in its factory in Kurunegala since the 1980s, using exclusively Sri Lankan coconut, and supplies Nestle markets worldwide.

“Innovation is in our DNA, ever since our company was founded over 150 years ago,” said Nestle Lanka Managing Director Shivani Hedge. “Today, we continue to provide innovative, science-based products and services that enhance quality of life.”

“We’re proud to offer our local consumers a variety of products made from local fresh milk, with the latest being Nespray Coco-Up; with a unique infusion of coconut. This innovation perfectly reflects Nestle in Sri Lanka; combining cutting-edge global technology and research and development with local innovation - using local ingredients and strong local consumer insights- to develop superior products,” concluded Nestle Lanka Managing Director Shivani Hedge.