External reporting has a role to play in Creating Shared Value. We believe that external reporting of initiatives and key performance indicators can help drive improved performance internally, as has been demonstrated by our increased financial disclosure and improved financial performance. The key here is to report on those areas that are most material to the group - where an improved performance can have the greatest possible impact.

Nestlé is committed to reporting its performance openly. We aim to continuously develop our reporting, to reflect issues of most relevance to Nestlé and its stakeholders, to engage all levels and areas of the business in the processes of Creating Shared Value, and to maintain progress towards our sustainability goals. Focus areas include:

Aligning reporting with external guidelines
Some Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) performance indicators are included in our Creating Shared Value report, as indicated in the Key Indicators table. We also summarise performance in relation to Global Compact requirements. Our objective is to fully align with good practice external reporting guidelines for our next global print report, which we aim to publish in 2010.

Improving scope of performance data
For the first time in Nestlé’s reporting history, this current report presents performance indicators in all critical areas of Creating Shared Value. While historical data is not available for some indicators, we are working towards greater coverage and depth by 2010.

Communicating with key audiences
Our reporting strategy is designed to ensure consistency, integration and topicality. This current print report, published in 2008, summarises 2007 performance for our shareholders and other global stakeholders, and is published with our 2007 Management Report. In the 2008 report (published 2009), we aim to provide appropriately targeted information relevant to specific audience groups, including customers, investors and regulators. Our 2009 report (to be published 2010), will be our next major publication on Creating Shared Value. We will continually update the information throughout the year on this website. Please sign up to stay informed.