By Barnabas Esiet.
Nutrition which is simply defined as the process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health and growth, plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy population.
Experts and Analysts say there is a strong link between health and the economy. A healthy workforce is instrumental to a strong economy.
“Healthy people contribute to a strong local economy, and a strong local economy contributes to a healthy society.”
As at 2015, UNICEF data indicates that an estimated 2 million children in Nigeria suffer from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), even as seven percent of women of childbearing age also suffer from acute malnutrition.
The Journal of Public Health in Africa, states that the prevalence of anemia among school age children in Nigeria is 71% and among women, 47.3%.
As part of efforts to mitigate the effects of malnutrition in Nigeria, nutrition focused company, Nestlé Nigeria has, over the years been championing the drive to meet the nation’s nutritional needs through innovative products.
Innovative products such as; Golden Morn, Nan, Lactogen, Nutrend and Cerelac, just to mention a few, are familiar household names in Nigeria.
According to Nestlé, the latest addition to its nutrition portfolio, NIDO Milk & Soya Instant Powder Mix, provides protein from valuable sources and also addresses Iron deficiency which is currently one of the major micro-nutrient deficiencies in Nigeria.
Victoria Uwadoka is the Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability lead at Nestlé Nigeria.
In her words, “This product is made from Milk and Soya, fortified with Iron and Vitamin C.
“Not only do we get protein from 2 valuable sources, we also address Iron deficiency which is one of the major micro-nutrient deficiencies in Nigeria today.” She said.
According to Uwadoka, the product is a culmination of many months of hard and relentless work, from creating and testing the right recipe to initiating the unique technology employed to manufacture the product.
She added that “With the exception of infants, the new product is suitable for all members of the family.”
A release by Nestlé says the innovative product combines the double goodness of milk and soya, fortified with iron to provide consumers with an affordable…
Delicious and nutritious creamy milk and plant-based complement for beverages and cereals.
“For over 62 years, Nestlé has been part of the daily nutrition of millions of households in Nigeria, by consistently using its research and development capabilities to unlock the power of food to enhance the wellbeing of individuals and families.
According to Ifeanyi Orabuche, the Category & Marketing Manager, Dairy, “NIDO Milk & Soya is our first affordable fortified dairy and plant blend in the Nigerian market.
“This unique blend of filled milk and soya is a source of Iron and has other essential nutrients including Protein, Calcium, Vitamin C, and dietary fiber which supports digestion.
“NIDO Milk & Soya joins our portfolio of fortified products to help address the high rate of micronutrient deficiency, especially of Iron in the country.”
According to Nestlé, NIDO Milk & Soya Instant Powder Mix was developed by local experts in Nestlé’s R&D Center in Abidjan and is produced locally in Nigeria using 100% locally sourced soyabeans.
“It is a result of Nestlé’s progress in product innovation and renovation to meet the growing consumer demand for affordable nutrition options that also create societal value.
“At Nestlé, our decisions are guided by our purpose of unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone today and for future generations.
“With this new product, we are helping to sustain a steady source of revenue to improve the livelihoods of the local farmers who supply the soyabeans used in the production of NIDO Milk & Soya,” said Victoria Uwadoka,
“This launch is part of Nestlé Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to offering affordable, wholesome and nutritious options for consumers across the country, while providing long term benefits that are good for individuals and families, good for communities and good for the planet.
“The new product will expand the offering within our Ambient dairy portfolio. The total milk category in Nigeria is worth over 300 Bio so as we drive recruitment, this allows us to capture a share of this huge opportunity.” She added.
Nestlé Nigeria is one of the largest food and beverage companies in Africa. For over 59 years, the company has been delighting consumers around Nigeria by consistently delivering high quality nutritious food.
With a staff strength of over 2,200 direct employees, 3 manufacturing sites, 7 branch offices and a head office located in Lagos, the company produces and markets several iconic brands of products.
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