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Our business principles

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Nutrition, health & wellness Quality assurance and product safety Consumer communications Human rights Diversity and inclusion Safety and health at work Responsible sourcing Customers and business partners Environmental sustainability Ethics and integrity Privacy and ethical data management Internal interaction and communication External engagement and advocacy Consumers Our People Value chain Business integrity Transparency Compliance
Our Corporate Business Principles

Our Corporate Business Principles provide a strong ethical framework. They ensure we act with integrity while complying with laws, regulations and our own commitments.

The Corporate Business Principles contain six chapters. Click on the colored triangles to discover more information about each one, or download the PDF.

Consumers

Wherever we are in the world, the Nestlé company stands for tasty, safe and high-quality products. Products made with care and without compromise.

Alongside our commitment to quality, is our dedication to clear communication. We provide reliable, scientifically supported information that helps make a positive impact on people's lives.

Our People

As the world's largest food and beverage company, we're committed to providing a good working environment and opportunities for everyone. We respect human rights and promote the inclusion of all communities, cultures, genders and ages.

Together, it's our mission to maintain a safe and healthy environment for employees, contractors and all those who work with us.

Value chain

We're committed to building a positive future for people and the planet. This means treating our customers fairly and choosing our suppliers with care.

We support environmentally sustainable practices across our business. Working together to reduce food waste, lower greenhouse gas emissions, cut down on plastic - and manage water resources.

Business integrity

Our mission to improve quality of life means that ethics and integrity are a vital part of our business. We have non-negotiable standards when it comes to key areas of behavior including integrity, compliance with laws, conflicts of interests, antitrust and fair dealing, bribery, corruption (UNGC Principle 10), discrimination and harassment, plus accurate reporting and accounting.

We take the same approach to data and privacy. We respect the rights of individuals in relation to their personal data and recognize that privacy is a fundamental human right.

Transparent interaction and communication

We believe in communicating openly and transparently with our own teams and external stakeholders. We welcome free discussion and different viewpoints. While also fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, both in and outside our business.

Compliance

Our Compliance Program supports the Nestlé Corporate Business Principles, based on ethics, integrity and a 'doing the right thing for the right reason' mindset. Our compliance is assessed through our CARE Program, which relies on an independent external audit network in addition to other independent external audits and certifications.

We continuously improve communications, processes and training to ensure adherence to the Nestlé Corporate Business Principles and bridge gaps whenever necessary with zero tolerance for instances of non-compliance.

Speak Up is widely accessible, to enable our employees and external stakeholders to raise concerns about potential instances of noncompliance. We investigate all concerns raised and prohibit retaliation against any employee for such reports made in good faith.

 

Implementing our Corporate Business Principles

Every employee has committed to adhering to the Nestlé Corporate Business Principles, regardless of location. Our Code of Business Conduct helps us implement these principles. The code establishes non-negotiable standards of behavior in key areas. It isn't meant to cover all possible issues, instead, it's designed to offer a framework of reference. This allows us to measure any activities and ensure we keep ourselves accountable.

Our Code of Business Conduct

This Code of Business Conduct specifies and helps the continued implementation of the Corporate Business Principles by establishing certain non-negotiable minimum standards of behavior in key areas.

Employees should always be guided by the following basic principles:

  • avoid any conduct that could damage or risk Nestlé or its reputation;
  • act in good faith, legally and honestly;
  • put the Company's interests ahead of personal or other interests.

Downloads

Download the Corporate Business Principles and Code of Business Conduct in English. Other language versions are available in our Documents and reports section.