Meet Manuel, passionate about Plant-Based Beverages

Protecting the planet

“I live a well-balanced lifestyle, and easy access to Plant-Based alternatives offer me the opportunity to enjoy these different types of food and beverages, whenever I want,” he explained. “It is also important to remember that we only have one planet. We need to take care of it and do our best to leave it in a better place than when we found it.”

As the Leader of the Coffee Ingredients and Plant-Based Milk Category based at Nestlé’s Beverage Center in Orbe, Switzerland, Manuel is part of the team that is leading the way to sustainable change with Plant-Based Milk Alternatives, made from ingredients like nuts, rice, pea, coconut and oat.

In 2021, as part of the Wunda range, Nestlé Professional Europe launched Wunda Professional Barista made from peas, one of the most environmentally friendly sources of plant-based protein.

Developed by Baristas, for Baristas, this Plant-Based Dairy Alternative can be frothed to prepare cappuccinos and lattes, while its foamy and creamy texture makes it perfect for latte art. Also, its balanced taste ensures coffee is still the key flavor.

Nestlé’s innovative step in the Plant-Based sector is only the beginning for Manuel and his team.

Expanding the Plant-Based experience

“One of the most exciting things in my role is the opportunity to provide alternatives to those who cannot digest lactose (cow’s milk) or for those who choose not to drink it, while providing the same creamy and tasty experience as regular milk,” he continued.

“We are expanding our portfolio of Plant-Based liquid and powder beverages to new geographies and markets including Greater China Region, other key countries in Asia and Latin America, offering to more customer the opportunity to offer their consumers the experience to enjoy their favorite coffee preparation made from plants. Having this range of products is incredible.”

Journey to food and drink

Manuel’s contagious passion for food and beverages stems from a young age, surrounded by different cultures, sports and lifestyles in his home country of Venezuela. He professionally stepped into the food and beverage industry by joining Nestlé Venezuela over 16 years ago, before leading the Nescafé out-of-home business. In 2012, he moved to Peru, learning about its fast-growing food business while leading the team as Nestlé Professional Country Business Manager.

“One of my biggest learnings was the importance of the full experience and differentiation in every recipe and preparation,” he recalls. “We had to adapt and join the chef culture, not only having an insight into their dilemmas, but also to provide food and beverage solutions that fitted into their recipes and daily operations.”

Four years later, Manuel then moved to Brazil as Head of Beverages in Nestlé Professional. It was here that Manuel helped to provide innovative coffee solutions for operators to meet the growing thirst for coffee in Brazil, as well as to start introducing the plant-based beverages into the market.

The future is plant-based

This invaluable experience has been one of the driving forces in his journey to continue creating and inspiring coffee and plant-based alternatives.

“Building the future and next generation in this category is exciting and a great opportunity to keep innovating in the out-of-home segment,” he added. “Having the opportunity to lead the change, innovate in products and capture new trends is simply exciting. This is an amazing sector, I’m proud to be part of the future.”

Manuel will be sharing his plant-based category knowledge in the upcoming PLANT-BASED I WANT MORE ! Webinar, on November 2nd.