Nestlé Malaysia has reached a key sustainability milestone by sourcing 100% of the chillies used in its Maggi Chilli Sauce from local farmers, reinforcing its commitment to domestic agriculture and food security.
The announcement was made during a visit by Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir to the IPR-INTAN chilli farming project in Putrajaya. The initiative operates under Nestlé’s long-running Chilli Club contract farming programme, which now supports growers across 12 sites spanning Kelantan, Selangor, Putrajaya, and Johor, covering approximately 146 acres.
According to the company, the programme ensures a fully traceable supply chain while providing farmers with stable demand, income security, and technical training. Participants in the IPR-INTAN project earn an average monthly income of around RM3,000.
Chief Executive Officer Juan Aranols said the initiative reflects Nestlé’s broader commitment to strengthening local supply chains and supporting national food security goals. He added that partnerships with government bodies and farming communities are critical to building a more resilient and self-sufficient food ecosystem, particularly for B40 households.
Now in its fifth cycle in 2026, the programme has produced over 200 tonnes of chillies valued at approximately RM1.5 million. Nestlé noted that the structured smallholder model plays a vital role in enhancing rural livelihoods while contributing to Malaysia’s food security agenda.
The Nestlé Chilli Club, first launched in Kelantan in 1995, has steadily expanded to other states, including Terengganu, Selangor, and Johor. The initiative is part of the company’s wider Farmer Connect programme, which also supports the sourcing of crops such as rice, cocoa, and coffee.