Partnership with Indian Railways marks the company’s entry into railway station retail, strengthening its travel segment footprint and out-of-home consumption strategy
Nestlé Professional, the out-of-home business unit of Nestlé India, has expanded its presence in the travel retail segment with the opening of a new NESCAFÉ kiosk at Thrissur Railway Station in Kerala, marking its first outlet under a partnership with Indian Railways.
The initiative is aimed at bringing branded food and beverage experiences to railway stations while enhancing passenger convenience through access to trusted refreshments and on-the-go dining options.
Located at one of Kerala’s busiest railway stations, the kiosk offers a range of hot and cold coffee beverages alongside a curated food menu designed to cater to the evolving preferences of travellers seeking quality and convenience during their journeys.
Saurabh Makhija, Head of Nestlé Professional, said the collaboration with Indian Railways represented a significant milestone for the company.
“Indian Railways touches the lives of millions of Indians every day and has earned a place of immense trust in the hearts of consumers across the country. Being associated with such an iconic institution is a matter of great pride for us,” he said.
Makhija added that the new outlet would allow the company to offer travellers a familiar and reliable refreshment experience while on the move.
The partnership forms part of Nestlé Professional’s broader strategy to strengthen its footprint across high-footfall travel destinations. Railways are increasingly being viewed as an important growth channel for organised food and beverage operators, given their extensive reach and daily passenger volumes.
Jinraj Adyanthaya, Sales Head, Nestlé Professional, described railways as a critical channel for the company’s future expansion plans.
“Railways is a very important channel for Nestlé Professional, given its scale and ability to connect with millions of consumers on the move every day. This initiative with Indian Railways will enable us to further expand our presence across the network while bringing a wider range of Nestlé’s food and beverage offerings to consumers,” he said.
The company said it plans to participate in railway tenders across divisions nationwide as it seeks to scale its presence within the network. All railway outlets will be operated through Nestlé-authorised partners to ensure consistency in quality, service and customer experience.
The launch also strengthens Nestlé Professional’s Retail ONE network, which has now crossed 1,000 kiosks across India. The network spans educational institutions, healthcare facilities and travel destinations, reflecting the company’s focus on expanding consumption opportunities beyond traditional retail channels.
Industry observers note that railway stations are emerging as an increasingly attractive retail destination as operators look to tap into growing passenger traffic and rising demand for branded food and beverage offerings.
With the Thrissur outlet, Nestlé Professional is positioning itself to capture a larger share of India’s expanding travel retail market while deepening consumer engagement across one of the country’s most widely used transportation networks.
