Nestlé needs YOUth
In 2013, we made a promise: to address the needs of young people to access economic opportunities and empower them with the skills needed to start their careers through employment and employability, agripreneurship and entrepreneurship.
In launching Nestlé needs YOUth, a global program focused on young people under the age of 30, depending on the legal parameters of the countries where we operate, we set out to help ten million young people access economic opportunities by 2030. The target was met in 2024, six years early.
Young people are key to Nestlé's future. They are the entrepreneurs and innovators of tomorrow and the next generation of farmers who will feed our growing population. We believe they help their communities thrive and their fresh ideas, diverse perspectives and energy benefit Nestlé.
By giving them access to skills, knowledge and opportunities to succeed, they can improve personal economic circumstances as well as the social development in their communities, and lead the shift toward regenerative food systems.
Key terms explained
Regenerative agriculture
In line with the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative Platform, Nestlé defines regenerative agriculture as an approach to farming which aims to conserve and restore natural resources, primarily soil, as well as water and biodiversity, while capturing carbon in soils and plant biomass, and to support farmers’ livelihoods. Examples of regenerative agriculture practices include reduced tillage and agroforestry. More information is available in our Nestlé Agriculture Framework (pdf, 19Mb). Read more about regenerative agriculture.
Regenerative agriculture
In line with the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative Platform, Nestlé defines regenerative agriculture as an approach to farming which aims to conserve and restore natural resources, primarily soil, as well as water and biodiversity, while capturing carbon in soils and plant biomass, and to support farmers’ livelihoods. Examples of regenerative agriculture practices include reduced tillage and agroforestry. More information is available in our Nestlé Agriculture Framework (pdf, 19Mb). Read more about regenerative agriculture.
Bringing businesses together in support of the youth
Through The Global Alliance for YOUth initiative we are working, wherever possible, with other organizations to help millions of young people around the world find a job, thrive in the workplace or start a business. Led by Nestlé, the alliance of 22 like-minded companies provides training, nurtures young entrepreneurs and offers first job opportunities. Our goal is to provide, wherever possible, opportunities and a platform for young people, including representation at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Our progress
12747
12.8
million
245009
Taking practical steps to help young people find work
The Nestlé needs YOUth program focuses, wherever possible, on three distinct focus areas: From internships and apprenticeships to farmer training and start-up mentoring, we aim to support a young person's journey from their first contact with the food industry to long-term participation. They are delivered through a blend of classroom learning, online trainings, hands-on experience, mentoring, and strategic partnerships, ensuring that skills and opportunities are not just taught, but put into action.
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Employability: Helping young people access jobs Helping people, wherever possible, at an early stage of their career in accessing fulfilling jobs by facilitating access to apprenticeships, traineeships, and job opportunities.WATCH THE VIDEO ON YOUTUBE
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Entrepreneurship: Empowering young innovators Giving support to kickstart and grow businesses, including business mentorship with senior executives from Nestlé, and facilitating access to Nestlé R&D and innovation experts across the world. Young innovators are guided through product design, market testing, and scaling - skills that benefit them as individuals, and the industry as a whole.LEARN MORE
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Agripreneurship: Inspiring the farmers of tomorrow Training and enabling young farmers to develop knowledge and skills, and support them in the management of their farms. Farmers learn how to manage soil health, integrate technology into production, and diversify their incomes.EXPLORE THE AGRIPRENEURSHIP ACADDEMY ON YOUTUBE
Ten Years Young
Tracking our progress
In 2023, we commemorated ten years of Nestlé needs YOUth, our global initiative to help young people gain access to economic opportunities by 2030 through employment and employability, agripreneurship and entrepreneurship. You can read more about the progress we've made in the Ten Years Young report.
Building future-ready skills
Having reached our target of helping 10 million young people access economic opportunities, our next phase is about going deeper. The skills we are helping young people develop are not just for today's jobs; they are for addressing tomorrow's challenges and opportunities. Digital literacy, regenerative agriculture, and understanding AI are now essential to building careers that last - and to ensuring food systems can adapt in the face of climate change, shifting markets, and new consumer expectations.
