Nestlé India’s Manav Sahni to Spotlight the Future of Dairy in a BANI World

The fifth edition of Pitch BrandTalk 2025 is gearing up to energise Delhi on November 21, bringing together leading brand strategists, marketing experts, and media innovators for a day of compelling ideas and inspiration. This year’s theme, “Building Connections in a BANI World,” focuses on how brands can retain trust and stay relevant amid an environment defined by brittleness, anxiety, unpredictability, and constant change. Among the standout speakers this year is Manav Sahni, Business Head – Dairy Business, Nestlé India. His session, titled “Dairy: At The Heart of Nestlé India,” will offer deep insights into how the company continues to shape India’s dairy landscape through innovation, consumer understanding, and purpose-driven growth. Sahni will shed light on how Nestlé is reinventing its storied dairy legacy rooted in trust, quality, and heritage  while building a future-ready roadmap for an evolving consumer base.

A key highlight of his address will be Milkmaid, a brand that has transcended generations and become an emotion in Indian households. Sahni will explore how Milkmaid remains culturally iconic while engaging today’s digital-first consumers. From inspiring home bakers to lighting up festive moments, its revival through creator-led content, digital storytelling, and continuous engagement demonstrates how nostalgia and modernity can coexist beautifully. Sahni will also discuss Nestlé’s growing focus on premiumisation, with offerings such as Greek yogurt and ready-to-drink cold coffees meeting India’s appetite for global flavours. He will speak about how the brand is balancing indulgence with health-forward innovation introducing lactose-free dahi, fortified variants, and other products designed to deliver taste with wellness.

Digital acceleration will be another major talking point. Sahni will delve into how e-commerce, quick commerce, recipe ecosystems, and retail media networks are central to Nestlé’s strategy. By leveraging real-time consumer insights and personalised experiences, the brand aims to strengthen engagement and boost household penetration across markets. In a competitive landscape shaped by co-operatives and emerging regional players, Sahni will reflect on the differentiators that keep Nestlé ahead  consistent quality, global expertise, and meaningful, insight-led innovation. He will also touch upon the broader industry trajectory, from consolidation possibilities to category diversification. Sustainability will remain a core focus of his session, with Sahni detailing Nestlé’s efforts in recyclable packaging, responsible sourcing, and building a purpose-led dairy ecosystem that aligns with increasingly eco-conscious consumers.

Pitch BrandTalk 2025 continues to serve as a vital platform for brands to share real challenges, real stories, and real breakthroughs. With Manav Sahni offering a rich perspective on blending legacy with reinvention, this year’s edition promises a powerful exploration of how brands can not only navigate a BANI world but shape it. Nestlé, as it crafts the next chapter of India’s dairy story, stands poised to redefine indulgence, wellness, and connection for a new generation.