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Nestlé today joined the ‘One Planet Business for Biodiversity’ (OP2B) coalition to take bold actions in protecting and restoring biodiversity. The new OP2B initiative was launched at the UN Climate Action Summit.

Nestlé and other member companies share strategic interests in agriculture and recognize the urgency to drive transformational change in the food and agriculture systems, for the benefit of the people and the planet.

Over the past decades, the agricultural system focused on efficiency and productivity to meet the needs of the world growing population. This affects loss of diversity on farms, loss of ingredient diversity in diets, and degradation of ecosystems.

Mark Schneider, Nestlé CEO, said: “Nestlé believes that protecting and restoring biodiversity is essential to safeguard food production and food security now and for the future. Nestlé has for many years worked with farmers to manage their land sustainably and will continue to lead activities enhancing biodiversity”.

To achieve its goal, the OP2B initiative has identified three focus areas: scaling up regenerative agriculture practices to protect soil health; using product portfolios to boost cultivated biodiversity and increase the resilience of the food and agriculture systems; eliminating deforestation, enhancing the management, restoration and protection of high value ecosystems.

Nestlé has intensified its activities with farmers to ensure the responsible sourcing of its raw materials and it has made significant progress towards its zero deforestation goals. As Nestlé accelerates its climate change efforts, the company will scale up initiatives in agriculture to transform its value chains through land restoration, replanting trees and enhancing biodiversity.

Read the full press release (pdf, 300 Kb) and download the case studies (pdf, 2Mb)

Nestlé has today again been named as a Global Compact LEAD company for its ongoing commitment to the United Nations (UN) Global Compact and its Ten Principles for responsible business.

Commenting on the announcement at the UN Global Leaders Week in New York, Magdi Batato, Executive Vice President, Head of Operations at Nestlé, said: “We are accelerating our efforts throughout our entire value chain to achieve zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This will help advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals Agenda. We are proud of today’s recognition as it underlines our leadership in climate change. Over the years, we have intensified our efforts in key areas that help protect human rights, improve health and tackle climate change. We have made progress, but we will not stop here. Our sustainability journey is more intense than ever before.”

Nestlé’s priorities are in those areas where business interests most closely match those of society. These include nutrition, with a special focus on children; developing thriving and resilient rural communities; and stewarding natural resources for the future.

Nestlé joined the UN Global Compact in 2001. By adopting a principles-based approach to sustainability, Nestlé has been proud to be part of a global movement of sustainable companies and stakeholders.

Lise Kingo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, said, “LEAD companies represent the highest level of engagement with the UN Global Compact. More than ever before, the world needs businesses of all sizes — like the ones announced as LEAD today — that continuously work to improve their sustainability performance and take action to build a better world.”

Read the UN Global Compact press release

Nestlé today announced its ambition to achieve zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. It embraces the most ambitious aim of the Paris Agreement, to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C. Ahead of the U.N. Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit this month, Nestlé will sign the ‘Business Ambition for 1.5°C’ pledge.

With this announcement Nestlé is accelerating its climate change efforts. This builds on a decade of work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Over the past four years, Nestlé has aligned its objectives with science-based targets to keep the temperature increase below 2°C. The company is determined to play a leading role in tackling climate change. Over the next two years, it will lay out a time-bound plan including interim targets consistent with the 1.5°C path. Nestlé will review its progress annually to ensure it is on track.

"Climate change is one of the biggest threats we face as a society. It is also one of the greatest risks to the future of our business," said Mark Schneider, Nestlé CEO. "We are running out of time to avoid the worst effects of global warming. That is why we are setting a bolder ambition to reach a net-zero future. Deploying Nestlé’s global resources and industry know-how, we know we can make a difference at significant scale. Our journey to net zero has already started. Now, we are accelerating our efforts," he added.

Read the full press release

Nestlé today officially inaugurated the Institute of Packaging Sciences, the first-of-its-kind in the food industry. The new Institute enables Nestlé to accelerate its efforts to bring functional, safe and environmentally friendly packaging solutions to the market and to address the global challenge of plastic packaging waste.

Speaking at the inauguration, Mark Schneider, Nestlé CEO, said, "Our vision is a world in which none of our packaging ends up in landfill or as litter. To achieve this we introduce reusable packaging solutions and pioneer environmentally friendly packaging materials. Furthermore, we support the development of local recycling infrastructure and deposit schemes to help shape a waste-free world. The Nestlé Institute of Packaging Sciences enables us to create a strong pipeline of sustainable packaging solutions for Nestlé products across businesses and markets."

The Nestlé Institute of Packaging Sciences focuses on a number of science and technology areas, such as refillable or reusable packaging, simplified packaging materials, recycled packaging materials, high-performance barrier papers as well as bio-based, compostable and biodegradable materials.

Stefan Palzer, Nestlé CTO said, "Reducing plastic waste and mitigating climate change effects through cutting-edge technology and product design are a priority for us. Nestlé experts are co-developing and testing new environmentally friendly packaging materials and systems together with our development centers, suppliers, research institutions and start-ups. Located at our Nestlé Research facilities in Lausanne, Switzerland, the Institute also leverages our existing research capabilities in food safety, analytics and food science."

Read the full press release

Nestlé has today expanded its plant-based food range in Europe with its new 'cook from raw' Garden Gourmet Incredible Mince. It is also introducing a new and improved version of its Garden Gourmet Incredible Burger.

The move comes as people continue to look at different ways to balance their protein intake and lower the environmental footprint of their diets. Nestlé is committed to offering a wide range of plant-based products that taste great and offer people new veggie food experiences.

Read more

Nestlé Health Science (NHSc) a globally recognized leader in the field of nutritional science, is expanding into personalized nutrition with the acquisition of Persona^TM, a leading personalized vitamin business founded in 2017. Persona will operate under NHSc’s USA-based Atrium Professional Brands.

"Persona’s expertise in personalized nutrition brings a new dimension to the growing Nestlé Health Science portfolio," said Greg Behar, CEO of Nestlé Health Science. "There’s increasing interest in personalization among consumers and with this acquisition, we will bring together the technology of Persona and the trusted Atrium Professional Brands’ vitamins and supplements."

Persona’s science-based proprietary technology takes into account specific factors in a consumer’s lifestyle, history and individual needs to develop a customized nutritional assessment. Persona’s algorithm is based on thousands of research studies and the expertise of the company’s Medical Advisory Board. The individualized assessments meet consumers’ desires to find the right nutritional supplements for their unique needs, and eventually will further support the healthcare professionals in Atrium Professional Brands’ longstanding network with their recommendations to their patients and consumers.

Read the full Nestlé Health Science press release (pdf, 300 Kb)

On International Youth Day, Nestlé is reaching out to more young people by launching and rolling out the Young Culinary Talents (YOCUTA) program worldwide, through its Nestlé Professional food and services business-to-business division.

YOCUTA is part of the global Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative, which aims to help 10 million young people around the world to access economic opportunities. The program is designed to develop young culinary talents, strengthening their theoretical and practical skills and preparing them for their professional career while helping the Foodservice industry to fill the shortage of skilled culinary workers worldwide. This is made possible through partnerships with Culinary Schools, Foodservice associations and Industry Partners – at no charge to the students.

For more, read the press release

Nespresso is partnering with Swedish bike brand Vélosophy to produce a stylish bicycle made from recycled aluminum coffee capsules, demonstrating both brands’ commitment to a circular economy.

1000 limited edition RE:CYCLE bikes made from over 300,000 recycled Nespresso Arpeggio capsules will be available from August 12, sold exclusively on Vélosophy’s ecommerce platform velosophy.cc

Aluminium is one of the world’s most valuable resources, because it can be re-melted and reused infinitely. Designed to highlight the potential of recycling Nespresso’s aluminum capsules, RE:CYCLE encourages consumers to consider how they can make a positive impact.

Jean-Marc Duvoisin, CEO of Nespresso, said: “Through our collaboration with Vélosophy, we’re illustrating to coffee lovers the potential of recycling their aluminum Nespresso capsules. By using recycled capsules to make beautiful bicycles, Vélosophy brings sustainability and style together to create a truly meaningful experience, bringing to life the importance of recycling.

Nestlé is continuing to provide more nutritious choices for children with its new Nesquik All Natural Porridge.

The new Nesquik All Natural Porridge is made with 100% natural ingredients and is a source of fiber with at least 70% oats, a mix of oat flakes and oat bran. It also contains wheat and cocoa, with no artificial flavors.

Today, children in Europe still fall below recommendations on dietary fiber intake. With parents looking for nutritious and more natural options for their family, Nesquik All Natural Porridge meets the renewed trend towards oats as source of fiber at breakfast time.

The new porridge offers the classic Nesquik taste children know and love. The range includes a classic version with cocoa, as well as cocoa & banana and cocoa & apple varieties with the inclusion of real fruit pieces. The natural taste comes from the combination of cereals, cocoa and fruit.

The porridge has less than 5g of total sugars per serving (12.3g per 100g), and meets WHO EU nutrition criteria. Consumed with milk, a serving contains an additional 6g of sugars from the lactose naturally present in milk.

First launched in Germany in July, the porridge will be available in further European markets soon, including Portugal and Poland.

Last year, Nestlé presented Nestlé for Healthier Kids, a global initiative to help 50 million children live healthier lives by 2030. It includes a commitment to accelerate the transformation of Nestlé’s food and beverage portfolio worldwide, adding even more fruits, vegetables, fibre-rich grains and micronutrients, as well as continuing to reduce sugars, salt, and saturated fats. In 2018 alone, the company launched more than 1300 new products to meet the nutritional needs of children.

Images on Flickr

Nestlé today launched a range of Nescafé Gold lattes crafted with plant-based ingredients. These are the first-ever non-dairy soluble coffee lattes and certified by the Vegan Society as suitable for people following a vegan diet.

The new premium Nescafé Gold non-dairy lattes are made with almond, oat and coconut perfectly blended with 100% Arabica coffee beans to create smooth and creamy coffees.

Products are initially launched in the UK and Ireland before being rolled out in several markets across Asia, Europe, Latin America and Oceania.

David Rennie, Head of Beverages Strategic Business Unit, Nestlé SA, said “We are delighted to bring new coffee experiences with the launch of our premium Nescafé Gold non-dairy lattes. Our iconic Nescafé brand continues to lead and embrace new coffee trends with this innovation”.

Nescafé is the world’s favorite coffee brand. These new premium non-dairy lattes complement the existing Nescafé Gold portfolio.

Read the full press release

Nestlé Indonesia today announced the expansion of its three factories in Karawang (West Java), Kejayan (East Java) and Panjang (Lampung).

The CHF 99 million investment will allow Nestlé Indonesia to increase its production capacity by 25%. The cumulative expansion is intended for a new production line for liquid drinks, such as Milo and Nescafé Ready to Drink, pure sterilised milk Bear Brand and Maggi seasoning.

“We recognize an increasingly conducive business opportunity in Indonesia, coupled with the growing demand of consumers towards Nestlé’s nutritious and high-quality food and beverage products. Producing value added products has been one of our efforts to improve the quality of life and continue to contribute to a healthier future for Indonesians,” said Dharnesh Gordhon, President Director of Nestlé Indonesia.

Currently, Nestlé factories in Indonesia produce Cerelac infant cereal, Milo chocolate malt drink, and Dancow and Lactogrow milk powder, as well as instant Nescafé soluble coffee and coffee mixes.

For more information, read the Nestlé Indonesia press release

Youth teams from across Asia, Africa and the Americas are taking part in the first Milo Champions Cup, kicking off with a training session with Barça Academy at Cuitat Esportiva starting July 30.

Nestlé’s Milo brand and FC Barcelona are promoting physical activity, healthier lifestyles and the unique values that only sports can teach through their partnership.

Ten teams with a total of 80 kids will represent their country in a five-a-side tournament to be the first winner of the Milo Champions Cup. The teams of eight players under 12 years old must include boys and girls, and the rules state that at least one female player must be on the pitch for each team at all times.

For the first time in football, the player that shows the best behaviour and fair play in each game will be awarded with the ‘Milo green card’ as recognition of their sporting spirit.

The event will start with a Barça Academy training session where kids will learn the football methodology, philosophy and values of FC Barcelona. They will also take part in individual team training sessions.

Milo has been the official tonic food drink of FC Barcelona since November 2016. Milo has long been associated with sports and physical activity. For more than 50 years the brand has run youth sports programmes. More than 22 million children across the world are involved in sports events delivered by Milo every year.

Nestlé has continued to improve the nutritional profile of Milo and other cocoa and malt beverages in recent years. Reduced-sugar versions of Milo are appearing across a number of countries this year in both the classic Milo powder as well as in the ready-to-drink (RTD) format. That includes products with no added table sugar. The move is part of Nestlé’s commitment to meeting changing consumer demand and provide healthier and tastier choices.

In May 2018, Nestlé launched Nestlé for Healthier Kids, a global initiative to help 50 million children live healthier lives by 2030. It includes a commitment to accelerate the transformation of Nestlé’s food and beverage portfolio worldwide. That includes adding even more fruits, vegetables, fiber-rich grains and micronutrients, as well as continuing to reduce sugars, salt and saturated fats. It also includes simpler ingredients list and more organic and natural options.

Organic growth of 3.6%, with continued strong real internal growth (RIG) of 2.6% and pricing of 1.0%. Increased growth was led by the United States and Brazil.

Total reported sales increased by 3.5% to CHF 45.5 billion (6M-2018: CHF 43.9 billion). Net acquisitions had a positive impact of 1.1% and foreign exchange reduced sales by 1.2%.

The underlying trading operating profit (UTOP) margin reached 17.1%, up 100 basis points. The trading operating profit (TOP) margin increased by 90 basis points to 15.5%.

Mark Schneider, Nestlé CEO: "We are encouraged by our first half results and have made further progress toward our 2020 financial goals. Disciplined execution and fast innovation contributed to improved organic growth and profitability. Our growth was broad-based with our largest market, the United States, performing particularly well. Across our categories increased investment behind our brands and in innovation is clearly paying off, as reflected in our strong momentum in PetCare and the return to mid single-digit growth in coffee. Our Starbucks launch has been a great success so far and we plan on further geographic expansion and product innovation to make the most of this unique opportunity. Active portfolio management will continue to sharpen our strategic focus and position the company in attractive high-growth businesses. Our value creation model is clearly delivering the expected results and will support sustained profitable growth."

Read the press release.

Follow the investor call audio webcast hosted by Mark Schneider, Nestlé Chief Executive Officer, and François-Xavier Roger, Nestlé Chief Financial Officer live at 14:00 CEST.

Nestlé and Starbucks today announced the launch of Starbucks Creamers allowing the Starbucks brand to enter the refrigerated creamer category for the first time. The products were developed combining Starbucks well-loved flavors with Nestlé expertise and leadership in the creamer category to give consumers a new way to enjoy their Starbucks coffee at home.

Earlier this year, as a part of the global coffee alliance, Nestlé launched a range of 24 Starbucks products across various platforms. Nestlé and Starbucks continue to drive strong momentum and bring a premium coffee experience to consumers in the grocery aisle and via the Foodservice channels.

David Rennie, Head of Beverages Strategic Business Unit, Nestlé S.A., said "The global coffee alliance has allowed us to develop and launch new Starbucks products at an unprecedented speed. We are very pleased to expand the Starbucks brand into the creamers category less than a year after we closed the deal. We will continue to move fast to deliver great Starbucks coffee experiences to our consumers around the world."

Starbucks Creamers offer a great taste and creamy texture that celebrates the coffee in the finished cup. They will be available in three flavors: Caramel, White Chocolate and Cinnamon Dolce. They are inspired by customer-favorite handcrafted beverages served at Starbucks cafés: Caramel Macchiato, White Chocolate Mocha and Cinnamon Dolce Latte.

Beginning this August, these products can be found in the U.S. where groceries are sold and via select online retailers.

"We know that Starbucks customers are passionate about their coffee, and with Starbucks Creamers we are delighted to give them another way to enjoy their favorite Starbucks experience and flavors at home and outside our cafes," said Duncan Moir, president, global channel development at Starbucks.

Read the full press release

Nestlé has announced it has created a unique chocolate made entirely from the cocoa fruit, using the beans and pulp as the only ingredients and therefore not adding any refined sugar.

Nestlé plans to introduce the first product in Japan in the autumn of this year through its KitKat Chocolatory. Further products in other countries will follow next year, through some of Nestlé’s most popular confectionery brands.

Nestlé has developed a natural approach, which allows it to extract the pulp and use it in chocolate with no compromise on taste, texture and quality.

Until now chocolate has been made with the addition of refined sugars. This patented innovation delivers a great tasting chocolate using only one ingredient – the cocoa fruit.

Patrice Bula, Head of Strategic Business Units, Marketing and Sales at Nestlé, said: "We’re proud to bring chocolate lovers a new chocolate made entirely from the cocoa fruit without adding refined sugar. This is a real innovation which uses the natural sweetness of the cocoa pulp to provide a pure, novel chocolate experience."

The cocoa fruit contains cocoa beans and cocoa pulp. The pulp surrounds the beans, it is soft, sweet and white in colour. Some of the pulp is used in the fermentation of the cocoa beans after they are harvested, but a significant proportion is usually removed and the value is lost. Until now it has not been used as an ingredient to naturally sweeten chocolate.

With the announcement today, Nestlé reaffirms its leadership in the confectionery category by driving innovation and creating new, natural and exciting products. Nestlé was the first to bring Ruby chocolate to market in 2018 with KitKat, first in Japan and then across Europe.

For more details on the launch in Japan, read the press release (pdf, 100 Kb)

Find related images on Flickr

Today, natural mineral water brand Valvert in Belgium launches its new bottle made entirely from recycled PET (rPET), a first for Nestlé in Europe. This innovation is a step further towards meeting Nestlé's commitment to increase the rPET content in its water bottles to 35% globally by 2025.

Valvert only uses already used bottles to produce the new bottle, and no new virgin PET needs to be created. Valvert has been able to secure a reliable supply of the high-quality, food grade rPET that is required for bottled water. This will allow not only the launch of the 100% rPET bottle of 150cl, but also a 50% rPET bottle of 50cl at the same time. The goal is to have the 50cl bottle also made entirely of rPET by the end of 2019.

"We believe the new Valvert 100% rPET bottle is a gamechanger in the next generation of sustainable packaging, stimulating a bottle-to-bottle circular economy", said Emmanuel Gruffat, General Manager of Nestlé Waters Benelux.

The launch of Valvert rPET bottle is an important milestone in Nestlé's innovative approach to tackling packaging waste and commitment to a circular economy.

"At Nestlé we want to take up our responsibility towards our consumers and help shape a more sustainable future", said Michel Mersch, CEO Nestlé Belgilux. "We are determined to look at every option available to help solve the plastic waste challenge and we are embracing multiple solutions that can have an impact now such as developing new materials, improving collection and recycling schemes and driving new behaviors. R&D is in our DNA and we intend to leverage this expertise to serve this goal. We are therefore proud to launch the new Valvert 100% rPET bottle as another milestone in achieving a circular economy and in our journey towards sustainability."

Last year, Nestlé Pure Life with 100% rPET bottles were launched in North America. America’s spring water brand Poland Spring also announced its plan to convert its portfolio to recycled plastic by 2021.

Read the full press release.