I spoke with Rania Abou Samra, the head of innovation and research and development at Nestlé’s MENA office, on a stormy day in the UK. Despite the bad weather, Abou Samra was cheerful and enthusiastic, speaking to me from sunny Dubai. We discussed Nestlé’s history of innovation, including the launch of Nescafé in 1938, which supported the war effort by supplying coffee to British and American troops. She also talked about the success of Nespresso, a coffee pod system that has become one of the company’s most popular products.
Abou Samra shared her own experiences leading the technology and product development division of Nestlé Health Science in the US, where she developed a high-protein nutritional drink for elderly individuals with diminished appetites. The drink contains 16g of protein per 100ml and has a complete amino acid profile to support muscle regeneration. This innovation was born out of a deep understanding of the challenges faced by ageing populations and the importance of protein in maintaining muscle mass and preventing frailty-related complications.
When it comes to innovation, Abou Samra emphasized the importance of understanding consumer needs and working collaboratively with retailers, industry partners, and marketing teams. She believes that innovation cannot work in isolation and that it’s essential to test concepts with consumers and iterate quickly. Abou Samra also highlighted the role of AI in innovation, stating that companies that don’t adopt AI will not survive. Nestlé is using AI to digitally transform its value chain, iterate faster, and test faster.
Abou Samra’s journey is a reminder that innovation is about solving real problems for real people, whether it’s helping elderly patients get the nutrition they need or creating new products that meet consumer demands. Her enthusiasm for innovation is infectious, and it’s clear that Nestlé’s future is in good hands. As our conversation came to a close, I was left feeling inspired by Abou Samra’s passion for innovation and her commitment to creating products that make a positive impact on people’s lives.
Nestlé is a company with a rich history of innovation, and Abou Samra is proud to be a part of it. With a portfolio of iconic brands, including Cheerios, Carnation, Milo, and Smarties, the company is well-positioned to continue innovating and meeting the evolving needs of consumers. As Abou Samra said, “Innovation is happening globally,” and Nestlé is at the forefront of this movement. Whether it’s through the development of new products or the use of AI to drive innovation, Nestlé is committed to creating a better future for its customers and the planet.