National Foods Limited Highlights Business Growth, Product Innovation and International Expansion in Annual Report 2026

National Foods Limited has highlighted a year of business growth, product innovation and operational improvements in its Annual Report 2026, outlining its progress in Pakistan and international markets. The report, titled Impressions of Growth, reflects the company’s focus on strengthening its established brands, improving manufacturing efficiency and expanding its presence across global food markets.

Founded in 1970 as a spice company, National Foods has developed into a multi-category food business offering products for everyday cooking and meal preparation. Its portfolio includes recipe mixes, spices, sauces, ketchup, mayonnaise, pickles, desserts and other food ingredients.

Strong Performance in the Domestic Market

According to the annual report, National Foods’ domestic business recorded 17% top-line growth in FY2026, supported by higher sales volumes, strategic investments and focused marketing initiatives.

The company’s recipe mixes business delivered strong volume-led growth, particularly in Karachi, while its established brands continued to benefit from product development, promotional activities and improved distribution.

National Ketchup also maintained its market position, surpassing PKR 12 billion in sales and achieving 15% volume growth. National Mayo recorded 45% volume growth and 44% value growth, supported by expanded distribution, marketing campaigns and improved retail visibility.

These results demonstrate the importance of brand recognition, product availability and innovation in a competitive consumer goods market.

Product Innovation Drives Consumer Engagement

Product development remained an important part of National Foods’ strategy during the year. The company introduced new flavours, convenient packaging formats and products designed to meet changing consumer preferences.

National Chicken Powder generated more than PKR 130 million following its launch, with distribution reaching over 70,000 general trade stores and 478 modern trade outlets.

National Desserts also introduced its Trifle Pack, combining custard and jelly in a convenient format. According to the report, the product generated more than PKR 30 million in incremental revenue.

Meanwhile, the Drizz’l sauces portfolio expanded with new flavours, including Sweet Thai Chilli, Burger Sauce and Peri Peri Hot, targeting younger consumers and new consumption occasions.

These initiatives reflect the company’s emphasis on offering convenient food solutions while maintaining relevance across different consumer groups.

International Expansion Strengthens Global Presence

National Foods continued to expand its international footprint during FY2026. The company reported a presence across 47 countries, supported by 347 distributors and operations spanning five continents.

The international business expanded its retail footprint by more than 1,000 stores, with new listings across Europe, the Gulf Cooperation Council region, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. The company also reported market entry into South Africa, Bangladesh, Portugal and Poland.

Its international product portfolio received further attention through new vegetarian recipe mixes, Karachi-inspired recipe options and additional crushed pickle flavours. Packaging improvements and product standardisation also supported the company’s efforts to meet the requirements of international retailers.

The incorporation of National Foods Gulf FZE in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, represents another step in strengthening its regional presence.

Manufacturing Efficiency and Quality Standards

National Foods continued to invest in manufacturing capabilities, operational efficiency and food safety. Its facilities at Port Qasim, Faisalabad and Nooriabad implemented measures to improve productivity, reduce waste and strengthen quality assurance.

At the Nooriabad facility, waste from raw and semi-finished materials declined by 29%, supported by equipment upgrades, improved process parameters and stronger statistical process control.

The Faisalabad facility also reported improvements in resource efficiency, including a 26% reduction in carbon emissions compared with the previous year, 21% lower water consumption, 35% improvement in electricity productivity and 31% improvement in natural gas productivity.

The company’s manufacturing operations are supported by internationally recognised quality, food safety, environmental and occupational health and safety standards. These measures are intended to strengthen consumer confidence, support export requirements and improve long-term operational performance.

Digital Transformation and Supply Chain Improvements

Technology continued to play a growing role in National Foods’ business operations. The company’s digital initiatives focused on improving distributor access, sales execution, financial processes, reporting and management decision-making.

Its rural distribution initiative expanded across 54 towns and 5,119 outlets, contributing to 21% year-on-year growth in the relevant distribution programme. Financing arrangements for distributors also unlocked PKR 730 million in credit financing, helping improve working capital access across the distribution network.

The company’s e-commerce business recorded 25% year-on-year growth in business-to-consumer revenue, supported by partnerships with online retail platforms and targeted seasonal campaigns.

These developments reflect the company’s efforts to combine traditional distribution strengths with digital tools and data-driven decision-making.

Sustainability and Employee Development

National Foods also emphasised employee wellbeing, workplace safety and environmental responsibility. During FY2026, the company introduced initiatives to improve access to earned wages, provide employee financing options and strengthen career development opportunities.

Its health, safety and environment programme included digital hazard reporting, emergency preparedness exercises, employee training and resource conservation measures.

The company also continued to invest in talent development, employee engagement and research capabilities. The commissioning of its Scale-Up R&D Pilot Plant in Faisalabad is expected to support product innovation, collaboration and faster development of new offerings.

Outlook: Building on Established Strengths

National Foods’ Annual Report 2026 presents a business focused on domestic brand leadership, international expansion, manufacturing efficiency and innovation. Its progress across multiple product categories and markets highlights the role of portfolio development, distribution strength and operational discipline in supporting growth.

Looking ahead, the company’s ability to manage input costs, respond to changing consumer purchasing power, maintain product quality and navigate international market challenges will remain important to sustaining its performance.

With continued investment in brands, technology, manufacturing and global distribution, National Foods is positioning itself to build on its established presence in Pakistan while pursuing further opportunities in international food markets.