Behind the Headline - Nestlé's Nutrition Strategy
What's in a headline? It is a fair question as earlier this week a Financial Times article suggested that 60% of Nestlé’s portfolio fails to meet health standards. While the headline referenced the majority of our portfolio, the analysis was only relevant to half our products. Infant nutrition, specialized nutrition, pet food and coffee were not included.
When we look at our portfolio as a whole, less than 30% would not meet external “healthfulness” standards such as Health Star Rating. Mostly these are indulgence products such as confectionery and ice cream.
The background is that Nestlé is undertaking a company wide project to update our nutrition and health strategy, and our future commitments. This work began in January 2021. The document referenced by the Financial Times is one of many being developed in this process. The project aims to ensure that our products will help meet nutritional needs and support a balanced diet across the different life stages of people and pets well into the future.
I am proud that in this work we are holding up the mirror and asking tough questions. The fact that some of this found its way into the public domain is not going to stop us in pursuing the work. Far from it.
In fact, we have always asked ourselves such questions to drive improvements. In the past seven years alone, we have reduced the sugar and salt content by about 14-15% in all products which were not aligned with the WHO guidelines. We have launched thousands of products for kids and families that meet external nutrition benchmarks. We also add positive nutrients to our products, distributing over 196 billion servings fortified with micronutrients in 2020 alone. Our range of plant-based foods and beverages is expanding fast, most of which achieves an A or B Nutri-Score rating in Europe. We also provide transparent nutrition information on our packaging as well as services like MYMENU IQ that support balanced diets.
This is the foundation upon which we will continue to improve the nutritional quality of our products, especially as we rapidly transition to net zero. Our aim is a portfolio that is both good for people and good for the planet. Ultimately, I am certain this is what will be good for business too.
Special Legal Adviser at UNEP Principles of Sustainable Development Net Zero Insurance Alliance
3 年Yes. I have approached Nestle to discuss many areas of sustainability but they have directed me to their CR reports which is not engagement.
Co-founder Context Group.
3 年Ha! I read that FT piece as a puff for Nestle! It's reassuring to know that a leader in the food industry is taking its social responsibilities seriously while trying to resolve the inevitable conflicts created by legacy products. Time to be more open?
Special Legal Adviser at UNEP Principles of Sustainable Development Net Zero Insurance Alliance
3 年If only. I now have to add plastic waste to Nestle’s other issues. I would love to advise Nestle on how to achieve sustainability and on human rights and food health and water rights and child labour and supply chain and value chain and palm oil and to stop lobbying and litigating. I have tried to engage the company repeatedly and had hoped for a sea change but neither has happened. Perhaps, one day Nestle will understand its duties to society and stakeholders. Internal debates are useless if meaningful change does not happen. It is 20 years since Nestle undertook to end child labour. I know it’s complex but like the dwarf king realised too late in The Hobbit it is important to keep your word. #nestle #engagement
Financial Historian and Investment Analyst
3 年Good to see the internal debate and reflections Rob. On behalf of our clients we are shareholders in Nestle because we hope and expect the company to continue evolving and improving. Sharing a recent piece I wrote about this earlier this year. https://lnkd.in/eRiPWt4
Special Legal Adviser at UNEP Principles of Sustainable Development Net Zero Insurance Alliance
3 年Surely good thing that the work has found its way into the public domain as this helps to create informed debate and limits group think. ESG risk is not just about healthy food but extends to matters such child labour, deforestation, nature capital, water rights, waste and endangered species. Nestle can co tribute a lot to the debate if they engage with stakeholders. #nestle #esg