Nestlé ESAR
Contributing to a Healthier Future
Nestlé needs but scant introduction: The world’s largest food and beverage company, overseeing more than 2000 brands ranging from global icons to local favourites and present in just shy of 200 countries across the globe. Alongside the provision of the planet’s favourite food and beverage products have been concerted efforts to localise production, tackle youth unemployment, and confront the universal concern of plastic pollution.
Supported by:
For more than 150 years Nestlé has tasked itself with shaping a better and healthier world. “Since 1886,” the company stresses, “we have created products that enhance quality of life and contribute to a healthier future.” In 1870 the first of these products arrived in South Africa, where the company has been formally entrenched and firmly rooted for more than 100 years having formally registered in 1916.
Behind Swiss pharmacist Henri Nestlé’s establishment of the now world-renowned brand were the dual spirits of innovation and goodwill, values which continue to coarse through the veins of this global icon today. “Every day, we touch the lives of billions of people: From the farmers who grow our ingredients and the families who enjoy our products, through the communities where we live and work to the natural environment upon which we all depend,” Nestlé sums up.
LOCALISED PRODUCTION
“We believe that our company will be successful in the long term by creating value for both our shareholders and for society as a whole. This approach, called Creating Shared Value (CSV), is the principle for how we do business.” Most critical among these CSV priorities, Nestlé goes on to explain, are those areas of greatest intersection between Nestlé’s business and society, such as nutrition, rural development, and water.
One key ambition of Nestlé’s is to help improve livelihoods and develop thriving communities, borne out this year in the localisation of its trademark coffee mixes, including the NESCAFÉ Gold range and NESCAFÉ RICOFFY 3in1, at Nestlé Babelegi, in a bid to support both economic development and job creation.
Coinciding with Mandela Day, on July 18th Nestlé inaugurated the coffee mixes manufacturing plant in Babelegi, Hammanskraal, in testament to an unbending dedication to employment creation, community upliftment and economic development. “We are excited to officially open our NESCAFÉ coffee mixes manufacturing plant and demonstrate our dedication to the local market,” beamed Carl Khoury, Business Executive Officer, Coffee and Beverages at Nestlé East and Southern Africa Region.
“The importance of revitalising South Africa’s manufacturing sector, including its contribution to the economy and export promotion, is emphasised in key national policies such as the Reconstruction and Recovery Plan. We take pride in our investment in this production plant as it reflects our dedication to nurturing the potential of the region and contribution to rebuilding the economy.”
“Nestlé’s investment supports the growth of the local economy by localising production,” added Brian Soldaat, Director Investment Promotion (Agri-Processing) from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa. “This sets a positive example for the industry, showcasing the importance of collaboration with local communities, economic development, and sustainable business practices.”
SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Nestlé exemplifies the commitment so urgently required in South Africa to empower young professionals and, in turn, invest in its own future success. A recently revealed youth unemployment rate of 32.2% in Southern Africa underscored explicitly not only the uphill battle faced by young people across the region today in accessing job opportunities, but also the pressing need of comprehensive support systems to help graduates secure and retain employment.
“In a job market that grows increasingly cutthroat, the development of youth skills has emerged as a vital focal point, demanding urgent attention,” Ndumiso Skosana, Brand Manager, Nutrition, Nestlé ESAR, assesses. “Forward-thinking organisations recognise the importance of practical, long term and hands-on initiatives to nurture and develop the potential of young talent.
“Empowering youth for success creates a ripple effect, as these individuals go on to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.”
“Our aim is to have a positive impact on society while we grow our business,” Nestlé sums up. “We enable healthier and happier lives for individuals and families, we help develop thriving and resilient communities, and finally, we steward the planet’s natural resources for future generations.” These ambitions have also led Nestlé to broach the universal issue of plastic, the versatility and convenience of which have brought about revolutions in myriad industries, from packaging and transportation to healthcare and electronics.
“However, the exponential rise in plastic production has led to a growing concern – the environmental impact of plastic waste,” Nestlé counters. “There is critical individual action, corporate interventions and community contributions towards the global goal of recycling plastic. Key from business is championing research and innovation on recycling, building recycling infrastructure and influencing policy updates to support circular economy principles.
“These interventions drive industry-wide changes and promote the adoption of more sustainable practices, all critical in quantifying our efforts as we collectively work towards achieving global net zero emissions by 2050.”