Connecting through our brands

One out of seven cups of coffee consumed around the world is a Nescafé. Behind all these cups are coffee farmers. That's why, in 2010, Nestlé launched the Nescafé Plan to improve farmer's lives. Today, many are benefitting from improved coffee varieties we have provided.

Every year Nescafé directly supports around 100 000 coffee farmers and buys more than 800 000 metric tons of green coffee from over 20 countries. Part of the Nescafé Plan builds on decades of Nestlé research investing in breeding stronger coffee varieties that can better cope with climate change, produce higher yields and improve farmer livelihoods.

Our R&D Center for Plant Science in Tours, France, supports our experimental farms. A comprehensive library of coffee varieties is used by our scientists and breeders to improve resilience, productivity and taste. Following successful local validation and registration, farmers are already benefitting from these improved varieties in Mexico, Thailand, the Philippines and Ecuador.

In 2021, Nestlé's plant research announced a major breakthrough by developing varieties which can produce coffee with lower carbon emissions - two new Robusta varieties with up to 50% higher yields per tree versus standard varieties. Because farmers are able to grow more coffee using the same amount of land, fertilizer and energy, the result is up to a 30% reduction in the carbon footprint of green coffee beans - a win for farmers and the planet.

Purina Pro Plan LiveClear is the first and only cat food that reduces allergens in cat hair and dander, a culmination of more than a decade of Purina research. This groundbreaking approach to cat allergen management has the power to change lives, helping cat owners be closer together with the cats they love.

Managing cat allergens is a struggle for one in five adults worldwide. Sadly, this can limit the interactions between people and their cats. Scientists at Purina are always looking at ways to enrich the lives of pets and the people who love them. Their breakthrough innovation was launched in 2020 and, by end of 2021, rolled out to over 20 markets globally.

Pro Plan LiveClear is a 100% complete and balanced dry cat food. When fed daily, it was shown to significantly reduce allergens starting in the third week by an average of 47%. In fact, 97% of cats were shown to have a reduction in the allergens in their hair and dander.

The allergen gets on cat hair from their saliva. The key ingredient in Pro Plan LiveClear is a protein sourced from eggs that safely neutralizes this allergen in the cat's mouth, reducing the level of allergens in their hair and, ultimately, in the environment.

Consumer enthusiasm for Pro Plan LiveClear is evident in high consumer ratings and repurchase rates. Thanks to Nestlé's dedicated scientists, many allergy sufferers are finding that they are able to strengthen the bond with their beloved cats.

Garden of Life launched the Dr. Formulated MD Protein line in 2021, which includes plant-based and salmon-based options. Besides being good for humans, this certified-carbon neutral product is also good for our planet.

Dr. Formulated MD Protein contains oat beta glucans, a source of soluble fiber that clinical research has shown can have heart-healthy effects by reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol. The soluble fiber also helps to promote regularity and may also act as a prebiotic, helping to balance the gut microbiome. The product is specifically designed for people following a Mediterranean diet (MD) rich in vegetables and low in animal protein.

The ancient sprouted barley protein in the plant-based option is upcycled from beer brewing using leftover sprouted and fermented grains that would otherwise be discarded. No additional crops were planted for this protein and the recovered grains originate from farmers using regenerative agricultural practices.

The salmon-based option sources salmon from a sustainable wild-caught fishery in Norway. Garden of Life uses the excess from the high-quality filet cuts destined for restaurants to make the salmon protein powder.

These new protein powders promote health and wellness while contributing to the circular economy. Good for you, good for the planet.

Consumers are increasingly interested in adopting healthier lifestyles that have less impact on the environment. Nestlé is positioned at the forefront of this trend, driving innovation of plant-based food that is nutritious, delicious and sustainable.

Our Garden Gourmet brand has a history of more than 30 years in plant-based meat alternatives, making it a pioneer in this category. Sweet Earth has been providing flavor-forward plant-based ingredients and meals for nearly a decade now.

Through these two flagship brands Nestlé offers a variety of plant-based prepared foods and ingredients to delight consumers and out-of-home diners. We are also advancing plant-based options of people's favorite meals across our legacy brands, such as DiGiorno, Maggi and Wagner, and inspiring cooks with plant-based flavor solutions. We continuously innovate to meet demand from the increasing number of flexitarian consumers, driving growth of our business.​

We launched numerous new plant-based products in 2021, while also witnessing incredible growth from previous launches - most notably with Garden Gourmet Vuna, the plant-based tuna alternative. New to the Garden Gourmet portfolio are vEGGie and Vrimp, egg and shrimp replacements offering authentic texture and flavor as well as good nutrition.

There is growing interest worldwide in nutritional health solutions. In China, Nestlé recently launched its first two Blue Hat-certified functional foods, Yiyang Mobility and Yiyang Immunity, addressing two key health concerns among those middle-aged and older. Blue Hat certification is only given to health foods approved via official registration.

Helping middle-aged and elderly people face the process of aging with science-backed daily protective nutrition is the original purpose of Nestlé's Yiyang brand. National health awareness in China has accelerated momentum behind the health and wellness market with growing public recognition that prevention is better than cure.

Yiyang Mobility is a glucosamine milk powder with calcium, vitamin D3 and high-quality protein that supports bone health, muscle strength and joint functionality. Research by Nestlé and Peking University Third Hospital found the product to improve mobility and reduce joint discomfort.

Yiyang Immunity is the first protein powder with added probiotics in the Chinese market. The formula adds Lactobacillus rhamnosus to whey and soy proteins, enhancing the immunity of middle-aged and elderly people.

The new products not only align with Nestlé's focus on healthy aging, but also create shared value. Manufacturing at the Heilongjiang province production line has a positive impact on sustainable development for the local communities.

Nestlé acquired Essentia in March 2021 as part of the continued transformation of our global water business to focus on international premium and mineral water brands and healthy hydration products. Essentia pioneered ionized alkaline water more than twenty years ago and is leading in that space.

Essentia is the #1 alkaline water brand and the #1 selling bottled water brand in the U.S. natural channel. It is sold in more than 100 000 U.S. retail locations.

Essentia uses a unique, proprietary three-step process. The process begins with purification through reverse osmosis, making the water 99.9% pure. This is followed by the infusion of a proprietary mineral blend in trace amounts, formulated to complement the body’s natural mix. Finally, the ionization process removes bitter-tasting acidic ions, which results in a water with a pH of 9.5 or higher, delivering a clean, smooth taste.

Essentia is CarbonNeutral certified for packaging under The CarbonNeutral Protocol, the leading global standard for carbon-neutral programs.

Essentia gives Nestlé an immediate strong presence in the high-growth, functional water segment and supports efforts to capture opportunities with emerging consumer trends such as healthy hydration. Essentia also brings a strong, passionate following of influencers known as 'Essentia Nation' that includes high-profile athletes and celebrities.