Nestlé India has launched Kaabil, its flagship culinary internship programme aimed at enhancing employability and creating career opportunities for members of the transgender community in the food service and hospitality sector.
Led by Nestlé Professional and supported by BEACON, the company’s LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group, the initiative focuses on developing industry-relevant culinary skills through structured training, mentorship and industry exposure.
The 15-day programme will be conducted across regional training kitchens in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru in partnership with Sahodari Foundation and TWEET Foundation. Participants will receive hands-on training in kitchen fundamentals, regional and international cuisines, recipe development, live cooking, professional readiness and career guidance.
The programme also includes mentorship from Nestlé chefs and exposure to industry practices through collaboration with the Indian School of Hospitality, helping participants build skills and confidence for long-term careers in the hospitality sector.
Saurabh Makhija, Director – Nestlé Professional, Nestlé South Asia, said the initiative aims to equip participants with practical culinary expertise and industry exposure that can improve employment prospects in food service and hospitality.
Nitu Bhushan, Director – Human Resources, Nestlé South Asia, noted that the programme seeks to address barriers to livelihood opportunities faced by the transgender community by providing access to skill development and career pathways.
Kaabil was piloted in 2025 in partnership with Sahodari Foundation, where two transgender entrepreneurs from Tamil Nadu underwent culinary training and mentorship to strengthen their catering businesses. Building on the pilot’s outcomes, Nestlé India has expanded the programme in 2026 to reach a larger group of beneficiaries.
The initiative reflects a growing industry focus on inclusive workforce development and talent creation, addressing skill gaps while promoting diversity within India’s hospitality and food service ecosystem.
