Nestlé will invest CHF 310 million in its nutrition and health activities in Brazil through 2028. The program is designed to increase local manufacturing capacity for infant, medical and adult nutrition products. A central part of the investment is the construction of a new infant formula factory in Ituiutaba, Minas Gerais. The plant will supply the Brazilian market and support export opportunities. Around CHF 94 million of the total investment is allocated to the new facility. Operations are expected to begin in the second quarter of 2028. Once completed, the site will become the company’s second factory for infant nutrition in Brazil. The company is expected to create approximately 100 new jobs.
Nestlé builds second infant nutrition facility in Brazil
The Ituiutaba plant will focus on infant formula production. According to the company, advanced digital and automation technologies will be integrated into the facility to support production efficiency, product quality and food safety. The project complements existing production activities in Araçatuba. This site serves as the company’s main Brazilian manufacturing hub for infant, medical and adult nutrition products. It will also receive upgrades under the investment program.
Production capacity for key ingredients will increase
In addition to the two manufacturing sites, the investment covers the expansion of capacity for ingredients used in nutrition products. Whey production is scheduled to increase by 15 percent by 2029 to support growing demand for infant nutrition products in Brazil. The combination of additional ingredient capacity and expanded manufacturing infrastructure is intended to strengthen the local production chain. Brazil is one of the company’s important international markets and plays a strategic role in its nutrition activities.
Nutrition accounts for around 20 percent of Nestlé sales
Nutrition represents a significant part of the group’s global business. Jeff Hamilton, CEO of Nestlé Zone Americas, explains: "Nutrition is one of Nestlé’s key categories globally and today, accounts for around 20% of Group sales. Brazil is a strategic market for this business, and this investment will expand local production capabilities while increasing access to high-quality, science-based nutrition products." The planned expansion therefore combines additional production capacity with investment in existing infrastructure. It also increases the company's ability to manufacture nutrition products within Brazil rather than relying solely on capacity outside the market.
Nestlé targets production start in 2028
Construction of the new Ituiutaba site represents the largest new manufacturing element within the current investment program. With production scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2028, the facility will add dedicated capacity for infant formula and provide additional options for supplying export markets. Together with the modernization of the Araçatuba site and the planned increase in whey production, the project expands Nestlé manufacturing capacity across several parts of the nutrition value chain in Brazil.
