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Vittel and Ashoka, a non-profit organization promoting social entrepreneurship, have announced the winners of the ’Act For Biodiversity’ Challenge, a global search for changemakers who can collaborate to preserve and restore biodiversity.

The five winning projects: Health in Harmony, Farming for Nature, Renature, Camino Verde, and Forest&Life will share EUR 150,000 and benefit from support within a project accelerator. The projects focus on different impact zones and vary from fighting deforestation and promoting regenerative agroforestry to educational programs for students. Most of them include a strong element of cooperation with local communities and farmers.

Launched in January 2020, the 'Act For Biodiversity' Challenge looks for solutions that are already being implemented and engaging people and organizations across sectors to preserve biodiversity. The five winning projects were selected out of more than 200 submissions by a panel of experts on biodiversity.

Vittel has promoted biodiversity with its Agrivair program for nearly 30 years to protect its water catchment area. The company is now stepping up and expanding its activities beyond its territory. This fits with Nestlé's commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 - promoting biodiversity is a key element on this journey.

Find out more about the 'Act For Biodiversity' Challenge

Download the press release in English (pdf, 500Kb) | Français (pdf, 500Kb)

Read Vittel’s manifesto on the preservation of biodiversity (pdf, 600 Kb)

Nespresso has announced a CHF 160 million investment to expand its Romont production center in Switzerland to meet increasing consumer demand for its high-quality premium coffees and support international development in the coming years.

"Despite the challenging times we have all been living in, this strategic long term investment reconfirms Nespresso's continuous business success and leadership in the portioned coffee segment, which we pioneered back in 1986," said Guillaume Le Cunff, CEO of Nespresso. "It also demonstrates our continued commitment to our Swiss roots and to the long-term economic development of the region and the country, with which we share values of quality, innovation and expertise."

"These are the kind of announcements that feel good in times of crisis. Nespresso confirms that large international groups can produce competitively in our region. It’s also an investment that strengthens our region in the bio-economy field with which I’m very pleased," said Olivier Curty, State Councillor and Director of Economic Affairs and Employment at the Canton of Fribourg.

The construction of the second production hall is set to start in June 2021. It will result in an augmented capacity of 10 new production lines dedicated to producing Nespresso coffees for the Vertuo and Professional ranges and the creation of 300 new direct jobs in the next 10 years while increasing third party employment and local and regional business development. The first new production lines are expected to be fully operational by June 2022.

Read the full press release

As people are firing up barbecues across Europe, Nestlé has improved its Garden Gourmet plant-based burger to give it an even meatier taste and texture.

It is now so incredibly juicy and incredibly delicious that it really deserves a name that does it justice: Garden Gourmet Sensational Burger.

The new burger is appearing in stores (and on grills) across Europe now. Aside from its even more meat-like flavor and texture, the burger now also cooks better, making that transformation from raw to cooked with a satisfying sizzle.

It is the second upgrade to the Garden Gourmet plant-based burger in just over a year since it was first launched. Further improvements and innovations for the burger and other plant-based products are expected later this year, as Nestlé's plant protein experts, food scientists and chefs continue to listen to consumer feedback and create an exciting product pipeline.

Wayne England, head of Nestlé's food business, said: "As consumers around the world seek healthier, more sustainable diets, we have created some of the tastiest and healthiest plant-based foods available. The new Garden Gourmet 'Sensational' name evokes the senses that are stimulated by our burger: the visible transformation and aroma when cooking, the sound of it sizzling in the pan or on the grill, the great taste and texture."

The Garden Gourmet Sensational Burger still has some of the best nutritional values of any plant-based burger on the market, scoring a Nutri-Score 'A' rating. It also accounts for much lower CO2 emissions, water and land use than a beef burger.

It combines natural soy and wheat protein, color from natural plant extracts, rapeseed and coconut oil and a proprietary method of fermenting plant-based ingredients to boost the 'umami' flavor of the burger.

Torsten Pohl, Head of the Nestlé Product Technology Center in Singen, Germany, which specializes in plant-based foods, said: "We are focused on delivering competitive plant-based products which are both nutritious and great-tasting. Our experts continuously explore new technologies and recipes, to deliver a wide range of plant-based innovations that have the right texture, the right taste, as well as a superior nutritional profile."

Nestlé is committed to providing more delicious, nutritious and sustainable plant-based options for consumers around the globe. People are continuing to look for different ways to eat more healthily and lower the environmental footprint of their diets. Nestlé has announced its ambition to achieve zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, including by offering more plant-based food and beverages.

Nestlé has been working in plant-based food for around 20 years. The Garden Gourmet brand enjoys a heritage that goes back around 35 years as a pioneer in plant-based food.

As Wayne England added: "We know plant-based food and we know meat substitutes. We have been doing this as long as anybody and will continue to focus our energy on what really matters to consumers – delivering truly outstanding plant-based products that are good for people and for the planet."

Other Garden Gourmet 'no compromise' products, including plant-based sausages and grounds, will also carry the 'Sensational' name going forward.

Today, the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and other civil society organizations published a Call to Action, calling on manufacturers of breast-milk substitutes to take steps towards full implementation of the WHO International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes (Code).

We share the common goal of working together to ensure breastfeeding and optimal nutrition for all mothers, infants and young children worldwide. We also share the Call to Action's ambition of full Code compliance by industry and the implementation of the Code globally by 2030. We are reviewing the Call to Action and will publish our response soon.

Nestlé believes breastmilk is the ideal nutrition for babies and we support and promote the WHO's recommendation on breastfeeding. We comply with the Code and relevant WHA resolutions as implemented by national governments everywhere in the world, as a minimum. Over the years, we have taken significant steps to strengthen our breastmilk substitutes marketing practices and will continue to do so.  Nestlé welcomes fair feedback from stakeholders that helps us to continuously improve. We highly respect the role that WHO, UNICEF and civil society organizations have played in advancing this issue.

The Call to Action recognizes that a level playing field for all companies is essential. In the absence of legislation, achieving such a level playing field will require everyone to work together, including us. Nestlé is committed to leading the way and encourages all stakeholders to work together to achieve this important goal.

Our response will reflect our commitment to improving the health of mothers and children across the world and we look forward to engaging in this important work.

Read this message in English, French and German (pdf, 100 Kb)

Nestlé S.A.'s Board of Directors today approved a new strategic direction for its Waters business. The company will sharpen its focus on its iconic international brands, its leading premium mineral water brands, and invest in differentiated healthy hydration, such as functional water products. The Board also confirmed its intent to explore strategic acquisitions to grow in this category, while pledging to make its entire global water portfolio carbon neutral and replenish associated watersheds by 2025.

At the same time, the Board concluded that its regional spring water brands, purified water business and beverage delivery service at its Nestlé Waters North America unit lie outside this focus. As a result, the company has decided to explore strategic options, including a potential sale, for the majority of the Nestlé Waters business in North America (U.S. and Canada), excluding its International brands. This review is expected to be completed by early-2021.

Read the full press release

Today Nestlé announced that it is extending the use of the Nutri-Score nutrition labelling to its food and beverages in Spain and Portugal. The company is now using Nutri-Score in a total of eight countries across Europe: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland.

Nutri-Score is a color-coded system that classifies food and drinks according to their nutritional profile. It gives a score ranging from A (healthier choices) to E (less healthy choices). The simple format of Nutri-Score helps people to make intuitive food choices at a first glance.

Nestlé brands with Nutri-Score are already available for consumers in Spain and Portugal. These brands include breakfast cereals Fitness Original, Nesquik Alphabet and Chocapic Bio as well as Garden Gourmet plant-based food.

Marco Settembri, Nestlé CEO for Zone Europe, Middle East and North Africa said: "I’m proud that we’re extending the implementation of Nutri-Score to Southern Europe. With Spain and Portugal, we’ll now have 7500 Nestlé products featuring Nutri-Score across the continent. Further studies have confirmed what we believe: Nutri-Score works with consumers in Europe and it has the potential to become the EU-wide system."

Read more

Nestlé Health Science (NHSc), a global leader in the field of nutritional science, has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Vital Proteins, America’s leading collagen brand and a lifestyle and wellness platform offering supplements, beverages, and food products. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval.

Read the full press release

Nestlé today joined 'Race to Zero', the global campaign to mobilize leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions, investors for a healthy and resilient zero-carbon recovery in the run-up to the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26). The campaign aims to drive a new growth and innovation agenda in support of a more inclusive and resilient economy following the COVID-19 pandemic.

'Race to Zero' will rally leaders who are committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 at the very latest, in line with global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C. All participants will also submit a plan in advance of COP26 and set interim targets in the next decade.

Nestlé is already in the race to zero. The company is accelerating its actions to tackle climate change and has committed to net-zero emissions by 2050. Nestlé will publish a roadmap, including interim targets consistent with the 1.5°C path.

Nestlé recognizes that its ability to succeed relies on system-wide changes and urges others to do likewise. It will also require a concerted global effort to ensure the recovery from COVID-19 revives the economy and enables the world to tackle climate change at the same time.

Ahead of his participation in the virtual launch event of 'Race to Zero', Mark Schneider, CEO Nestlé, said: "We know the challenge of climate change will not wait, so neither will we. Time is of the essence, and we need quick wins in the short term to build a better future as we recover from the COVID-19 crisis. Nestlé is committed to this cause. We will work with others and use our scale and expertise as well as the power of our brands to drive progress – fast. Building a more sustainable food system will be a core element of the solution to climate change, and we intend to play our part in making this happen."

'Race to Zero' is also working to define the most effective pathways to zero-emission for key sectors such as energy, transport, industry, food, retail, and finance and reach key economic tipping points faster. The new pathways will drive coordinated action by investors, businesses, policymakers, and NGOs.

Read the full press release

Purina has announced the 2020 winners of the BetterwithPets Prize, in a virtual forum streamed live on YouTube.

The BetterwithPets Prize offers two categories and a total prize fund of CHF 120 000, rewarding entrepreneurs who have put forward either a piloted innovation or an idea-stage innovation.

The winner of the piloted category, StreetVet Accredited Hostel Scheme (UK), will receive CHF 50 000, and the runner up, Gamelles Pleines (France), will receive CHF 20 000. The highly commended finalists, Courthouse Dogs Research (Spain), Evi’dence (France), and Reading Dogs (United Arab Emirates) receive CHF 10 000 each.

The winner for the idea-stage category, Homely, will receive CHF 10 000, alongside the highly commended finalists SoliVet (France) who will receive CHF 6 000 and Pet Me (Saudi Arabia), who will receive CHF 2 000.

The prize stimulates and supports innovations that harness the pet-human bond to tackle societal issues, and is organized in collaboration with Ashoka, a pioneer in the field of social entrepreneurship.

The Prize drew more than 150 applications from 23 countries across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, before eight finalists were selected – five piloted innovations and three idea-stage innovations – for the BetterwithPets Live ceremony, hosted online on 3 June.

For more detail, read the full Purina press release.

Nestlé brand Maggi has launched a first-of-its-kind website in Central and West Africa, offering fresh new twists to well-known African dishes.

It is also serving up a second season of Yelo Pèppè – its popular online nutrition education drama series – on YouTube from June 8, 2020.

The new website, which provides over 40 African recipes on an easy-to-use platform, can help families cook balanced and nutritious meals. It will use Nestlé's new MyMenuIQ™ guide that illustrates how nutritionally-balanced each recipe is, based on an algorithm developed by Nestlé researchers.

Following the success of Yelo Pèppè season one, which recorded over 20.3 million online views, Maggi is excited to present the new second season of the popular show to its fans, bringing back its beloved characters from the first season.

The new website and Yelo Pèppè series are recent examples of how Maggi is fulfilling the 'Simply Good' commitments it made to consumers in 2017.

For more, read the full press release on the Nestlé Central and West Africa website.

Nespresso today introduces AMAHA awe UGANDA, 'Hope of Uganda', a new and seasonal coffee from the Rwenzori Mountains of Uganda. This was made possible through the company’s unique Reviving Origins program, an integral part of the Nespresso AAA Sustainable Quality™ Program.

Launched in 2019, the Reviving Origins program aims to restore coffee production in regions where it is under threat from adversities such as conflict, economic hardship and environmental disasters. The program provides support to rebuild sustainable livelihoods for farmers and their communities while preserving the future of some of the world's rarest, most exquisite coffees. Nespresso is investing a total of CHF 10 million in the program over a period of five years (2019-2023).

Guillaume Le Cunff, CEO of Nespresso said: "Coffee is the lifeblood of entire communities across the globe. In many regions, coffee farming is threatened for reasons such as climate change, conflict and a shifting global economy. Through the Reviving Origins program, Nespresso provides support to struggling coffee farming areas and helps breathe new life into local economies and, most importantly, communities in these regions."

In Uganda, climate change, poor farming practices and economic hardship has meant that the production of high-quality coffee has been a challenge over recent years. As part of the Reviving Origins program and in partnership with Agri Evolve, a young agribusiness dedicated to improving farmer productivity, Nespresso is working with more than 2,000 farmers, providing training and expertise to improve coffee quality and productivity in addition to establishing sustainable farming practices.

The AMAHA awe UGANDA coffee will be available from May 2020 in 31 countries across the world, alongside Reviving Origins coffees TAMUKA mu ZIMBABWE and ESPERANZA de COLOMBIA - both back for 2020 following their initial launch last year.

Read the full press release

The image is striking: three masked people holding a portable ventilator. The Swiss Ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire Anne Lugon-Moulin and the Nestlé Côte d'Ivoire CEO Thomas Caso are presenting a Nestlé donation to the Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, Dr. Eugène Aka Aouélé.

Ambassador Lugon-Moulin commended the Ivorian Government on its response to the pandemic, adding: "I am impressed by the ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the preventive measures to adopt in order to minimize the spread of the coronavirus."

The story of these ventilators reflects something we have all been feeling since the outbreak of this pandemic; it has led us to realize the need for individual and collective responsibility. Nestlé is no exception.

How did it all start?

At the end of a brainstorming session, Dr. Patricia Amondji, Dr. Marie-Claude Kouassi and Dr. Eric Bouaffon, all doctors at Nestlé Côte d'Ivoire, suggested a donation to the Infectious and Tropical Disease Service of the Treichville University Hospital. This is the unit critical COVID-19 patients are referred to in Côte d'Ivoire. The Nestlé leadership team loved the idea, as did the public health authorities, who had called upon national solidarity to fight the pandemic.

The donation included two ventilators, complementing the 18 ordered by the government in addition to the four already available in this West African country of 25 million inhabitants. There were also 10 automatic hospital beds, gowns and surgical masks offered for distribution by the Treichville COVID-19 unit to the 15 care units, 14 screening facilities and three confinement centers newly opened in the country to manage the pandemic in a decentralized manner.

"We are happy we heeded the call because, as doctors, we are convinced that the battle against COVID-19 can only be won if we minimize transmissions and provide doctors with medical and personal protective equipment to enable them treat severe cases, especially people with underlying conditions who need to be assisted by ventilators to stay alive", Dr. Amondji said.

The donation is timely, as the need for ventilators exceeds available equipment. It took place in Côte d'Ivoire but it could have been elsewhere in the world. Expressions of solidarity and support to those impacted by COVID-19 are becoming more commonplace; and Nestlé and its employees have stood up and helped around the world. There is a common thread to the most impactful initiatives: the best ideas come from the employees directly. This is what makes each donation so unique and a true source of pride for all.

Nestlé today announced a series of investments that will further strengthen its footprint in China and continue to enhance its product portfolio with innovative and premium products.

The investments, in the Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area (TEDA), total more than 100 million Swiss Francs (RMB 730 million).

With pet ownership on the rise in China, this includes a significant capacity expansion of Nestlé’s existing pet food plant in Tianjin. New production lines will offer pet owners quality products in categories including Veterinary Diet and Wet Cat Food.

The investment will also see Nestlé’s first production facility in Asia for plant-based products. In recent years, the food sector has undergone a quiet revolution as people are choosing more and more healthy, nutritious, and environmentally friendly foods.

In addition, there will be new investment for the confectionery business with an upgrade of the line of Nestlé Chengzhen Wafer , producing a popular flagship wafer product launched in 2019. Nestlé will also further develop its Tianjin Nestlé Quality Assurance Center.

For more information, read the full press release.

We are all hoping to restart social and economic life safely, including visiting family and friends and getting back to work. A vaccine against COVID-19 is crucial to end the pandemic and to save lives and livelihoods. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) is playing an important role in funding and speeding up the development of COVID-19 vaccine candidates on a global basis.

That is why Nestlé has today announced we will support CEPI's efforts with a donation of CHF 1 million (USD 1.03 million). CEPI is working quickly and collaboratively with the ambition to develop a safe, effective and globally accessible COVID-19 vaccine within a 12-18-month timeframe. They have already raised over USD 1 billion from governments, private donors and individuals around the world but need further funding to reach their goal of USD 2 billon to allow their COVID-19 programs to continue at pace.

Mark Schneider, CEO of Nestlé, said: "The COVID-19 pandemic has created a lot of pain and hardship in communities around the world. A safe and effective vaccine will be needed to return to normality. That is why it was important to us to get on board when CEPI issued their call. We hope others will join us and support this important mission."

CEPI is an innovative global partnership between public, private, philanthropic, and civil society organizations launched in Davos in 2017 to develop vaccines to stop future epidemics.

Dr Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI, said: "It will take a monumental effort to tackle this virus, but through global cooperation and financial contributions towards the COVID-19 response, businesses can play their part in helping to change the course of this devastating pandemic.

We are grateful for Nestlé's leadership in supporting our efforts to rapidly develop a safe, effective and globally accessible vaccine against COVID-19. At this pivotal moment in time, we call on other businesses to follow Nestlé's initiative and provide the vital support necessary to get our lives, society and economies back on track."

Nestlé would like to thank Economiesuisse and the Swiss American Chamber of Commerce, who are supporting CEPI's donation drive in Switzerland.

Read more on Nestlé's response to COVID-19.

Find this release in Français (pdf, 100 Kb) and Deutsch (pdf, 100 Kb)

Nestlé USA is introducing Life Cuisine, an exciting new brand delivering delicious and satisfying meal solutions from gluten-free to high-protein. Nestlé is also introducing new and improved meals from Lean Cuisine, with more than half of the brand’s portfolio to be relaunched.

A new food dynamic has inspired people to learn more about different foods, seek more specific product attributes and balance their lifestyles. Life Cuisine offers 15 flavorful recipes – including layered bowls, cauliflower-crust pizzas and sous vide egg bites. Consumers can choose from a variety of thoughtfully created options offering a full cup of vegetables, two or more essential nutrients, high protein, high fiber and more.

To deliver more of the delicious ingredients and irresistible flavors people want, Nestlé is also introducing new and improved meals from Lean Cuisine. More than half of the brand’s portfolio will be relaunched including new Lean Cuisine Bowls.

As it rolls out new Lean Cuisine recipes, Nestlé is also debuting improvements to its current portfolio. More than 50 offerings will feature renovated, calorie-conscious recipes with more of what consumers want – and will be released in updated, modern packaging that highlight enhancements.

Read more about the new launches on the Nestlé USA website.

Media contact Nestlé USA: Sarah Factor
Phone: +1 440 264 5663
Email: [email protected]

Nestlé is piloting reusable and refillable dispensers for petcare and soluble coffee as part of its efforts to reduce single-use packaging. The in-store dispensers offer consumers a shopping experience that is free of single-use packaging, along with flexibility and variety of product choice.

Consumers can bring reusable containers to purchase different types of Purina cat food and Nescafé soluble coffee. They can also digitally access product information that is typically found on packaging, such as ingredients, nutritional values and shelf life.

Working in collaboration with the start-up MIWA, Nestlé recently piloted the reusable and refillable dispensers in three Nestlé shops located in Rorschach, Orbe and La Tour-de-Peilz, Switzerland. During a four-month trial period, the dispensers were well received by consumers and Nestlé was able to gain valuable insights including the user-friendliness. To further assess the dispensers’ effectiveness in preventing packaging waste along the supply chain, the dispensers are now being rolled out across more locations in the next few months.

Hélène Lanctuit, R&D Packaging Lead at Nestlé, says: "Packaging plays a key role in maintaining food safety during a product’s shelf life. This means that whenever new packaging systems are explored we need to ensure that our products can be delivered to consumers in a safe and hygienic manner. These dispensers are novel because they incorporate smart technology which allows us to ensure product safety, and also guarantee the freshness and traceability of our products."

The development of innovative, alternative delivery systems such as bulk, reuse and refill options are a key focus area for Nestlé across several product categories. The company has already announced a pilot test for Refill Plus, a water dispenser using state-of-the-art technology, which allows consumers to personalize their water with sixty-four flavor combinations. In partnership with Terracycle, Nestlé is rolling out Loop, a subscription home delivery service in the US and will also introduce it soon in France. Additionally, mini dispensers for Nescafé and Milo are available for the out-of-home segment in many countries around the world.

These innovative systems are part of a broader set of actions to reduce single-use packaging. Building on its commitment to make 100% of its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025, Nestlé announced plans to reduce the use of virgin plastics by one third during the same time period.

Bernard Meunier, CEO of Nestlé Purina Petcare EMENA, says: "At Purina, our teams are focused on designing our products and packaging for a more sustainable future. This pilot marks an important step forward in our efforts towards waste reduction and we are proud to play a leading role in testing these innovative dispensers. Offering pet owners the option of using safe reusable and refillable dispensers in-store can help us improve our environmental impact while still providing great quality nutrition for pets."

Philipp Navratil, Global Head of Beverage Strategic Business Unit at Nestlé, Senior Vice-President, says: "As part of Nescafé’s packaging transformation journey, we have been working hard to rethink how we design our packaging for better environmental impact. We are excited to work on a refilling option made possible by our in-store dispensing system for our consumers who want to enjoy their Nescafé experience at home."

Read more:

• Nestlé Switzerland press release in French | German
• Nestlé inaugurates packaging research institute, first-of-its-kind in the food industry
• Nestlé accelerates action to tackle plastic waste