The New Scoop in town (literally)

(Disclaimer: these are sorely my own views.  So if any Nestle employee is reading this, I'm not sorry- because everyone's entitled to their own opinion. I still love your company, don't worry. :D )

Now, I applaud any firm/ brand that does extensive market research, and then goes all out in terms of marketing activities to really get it's latest and new product a good, loyal following in the market.

But Nestle's "Aiskrim Goreng" ?

What irks me the most is that it's been launched in Malaysia, i.e. a country that has been voted as the most obese / fattest nations in South East Asia.

Like, really, Nestle?  REALLY??!

I don't want to diss Nestle. I honestly, I really don't. It's one of the largest, coolest FMCG giants out there, and because its products/brands are deliciously awesome, I've stayed loyal to them since childhood (Koko Krunch, anyone?). And above all, it introduced me to my first love- Milo Ais (*bows down in respect*) thirteen years ago.

Milo Ais. The God of all chocolate drinks. 

Being a marketing student myself, I completely understand that companies will obviously try and latch on to areas where the demand is, and there's a huge demand for fried ice cream, based on what Nestle's research of their consumers has shown; here's an excerpt from the article by The Star Online-

"We have recieved great response from customers since we launched the product in January," said Nestle consumer marketing manager April Wong. "The Idea came during visits to night markets, where we saw a demand for fried ice cream.

"We also noticed that housewives are creating similar treats at home, using bread and ice cream.

"So we thought, why not bring this convenience to more people?"

Oh, Nestle. Alamaaaak, Nestle. Alamak. Being bootylicious may have worked for Beyonce, but I don't think it's going to work for all Malaysians. Why?

Because what if the demographics are at odds with the demand? According to Oxfam's International report on worldwide food quality, Malaysia scored 29 and 37- i.e. in the lower rung of the obesity and diabetes categories, respectively. (See the link here: http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/01/16/Scoring-badly-on-dietary-habits-Malaysia-is-fattest-country-in-SE-Asia/)

…………

Gosh. That's more mind blowing than George Clooney himself.  :3

Promoting something in a market whose situation is contradictory, is a weird thing, like the above. But it's not uncommon. So many firms and brands nowadays are introducing products such as ice creams that have lower fat content, or sugar content- from yoghurts to confectionery, drinks to ice cream; the list is endless. The only difference is that they're going along with their target market's situation, i.e. producing goods that are going in accordance with a consumer group that's becoming increasingly and gradually more health-conscious. But Nestle seems to be doing the reverse. :3 

Nestle, if you're one of the most famous FMCG giants out there with a massively impressive reputation, shouldn't you be trying to curb Malaysians' eating habits? Because by indulging them with this new Aiskrim Goreng, you're probably contributing a hell lot more to their obesity problem. That's murky waters for you and them both, in the long-term, Nestle.

But maybe because you have such a strong reputation nationwide, you feel you don't need to, Nestle? Because to me, it appears that sales/revenue are being prioritised over consumers' health. Not very good CSR, Nestle. 

Or maaaaybe, Nestle simply forgot to do secondary research on Malaysia's health statistics, or chose to blatantly ignore it.

Bizzare stuff.