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Nestlé

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FY2021 Annual Report · Nestlé
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Annual Review 2021

Nestlé.
We unlock the power of food  
to enhance quality of life for everyone,  
today and for generations to come.

 
 
 
 
Our purpose

Nestlé. Unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, 
today and for generations to come. 

We constantly aim to push the 
boundaries of what is possible 
with food, beverage and nutritional 
health products to promote better 
health, greater accessibility and 
affordability, effortless preparation, 
protection of our natural resources 
and enjoyment.

Front cover

Contents

Accompanying reports

Nescafé Gold
Nescafé is the world’s leading and 
preferred coffee brand. Every second 
of every day, the world enjoys another 
5500 cups of Nescafé, including the 
premium Nescafé Gold.

2 

6 

10 

14 

24 

Letter to our shareholders

 Creating value through  
our strategy

 Driving purpose through 
innovation

Creating Shared Value

 Transforming through 
digitalization

28 

Connecting through our brands

  44 

Financial review

  66 

Corporate Governance  
and Compliance 

73 

Shareholder information

Corporate Governance Report 2021
Compensation Report 2021
Financial Statements 2021

Online

You can find more information
about the Nestlé Group at 
www.nestle.com

Find out more about Creating Shared 
Value at www.nestle.com/csv

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our business

We focus our energy and resources where unlocking the power of food  
can make the greatest difference. 

We apply our expertise in 
nutrition, health and wellness 
to help people, families and 
pets live happier, healthier 
lives. We work to protect and 
restore the environment and 
generate significant value for 
our shareholders and other 
stakeholders alike. 

What we sell (in CHF billion)

Powdered and 
Liquid Beverages

PetCare

Nutrition and 
Health Science

Prepared dishes  
and cooking aids

24.0

15.6

13.2

12.1

Milk products 
and Ice cream

Confectionery

Water

10.7

7.5

4.0

Where we sell (in CHF billion)

EMENA

25.8

AMS

39.1

AOA

22.2

Number of employees

Number of countries we sell in

276 000

186

Total group salaries and social  
welfare expenses (in CHF)

Corporate taxes paid in 2021 
(in CHF)

14

billion

2.7

billion

Our key non-financial  
performance

We create shared value through our social and environmental commitments.

To measure our progress, we use 
a comprehensive set of indicators 
that support our business 
performance and generate value 
for our shareholders and other 
stakeholders. Some key indicators 
are included here – the full set is 
in our Creating Shared Value and 
Sustainability Report. 

Our commitment

Net zero greenhouse gas  
emissions by 2050 
20% reduction of scope 1, 2 and 3 
GHG emissions by 2025  
and 50% reduction by 2030,  
versus 2018 baseline

Our KPI *

4.0

million tonnes 

greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂e) 
reductions achieved through Nestlé 
projects since 2018.
We initiated an additional 9.7 million 
tonnes CO₂e of removals in 2021, 
giving a total 13.7 million tonnes CO₂e.

On track

Our commitment

Our KPI *

Deforestation-free primary  
supply chains for meat, palm oil,  
pulp and paper, soy and sugar  
by end 2022 

97.2%

deforestation-free for stated  
supply chains in 2021

On track

Our commitment

Our KPI *

Cut virgin plastic in our  
packaging by a third by 2025

8.1%

reduction in virgin plastic in our 
packaging in 2021 versus 2018 
baseline 

On track

Our commitment

Our KPI *

Increase the proportion of women 
in the top 200+ senior executive 
positions to 30% by 2022

27.2%

women in the top 200+ senior 
executive positions

On track

*   Non-financial performance 

metrics are defined in 
the Reporting Scope and 
Methodology for ESG KPIs 
document available at  
www.nestle.com/esg-kpis

 EY has performed limited 
assurance on the four key 
performance indicators on this 
page. The assurance statement 
with EY’s independent 
conclusion can be found at: 
www.nestle.com/assurance-
statement 

 
Our financial performance

Our Nutrition, Health and Wellness strategy is the engine of our value creation. 

In 2021, our organic growth was 
strong, with broad-based market 
share gains, following disciplined 
execution, rapid innovation  
and increased digitalization.  
A summary of the 2021 full-year 
results can be found in the table  
to the right.

* 

 Financial performance 
measures not defined by 
IFRS. For further details, see 
‘Financial review’ on page 46.

Group sales (in CHF)

Organic growth *

Real internal growth *

87.1 billion 

7.5%

5.5%

Underlying trading 
operating profit *  
(in CHF)

Underlying trading 
operating profit  
margin *

15.1 billion

17.4%

Underlying trading 
operating profit  
margin *

-30 Basis points

Constant currency

Trading operating  
profit * (in CHF)

Trading operating  
profit margin *

Trading operating  
profit margin *

12.2 billion

14.0%

-290 Basis points

Constant currency

Earnings per share 
(in CHF)

Earnings  
per share

6.06

+41.1%

Underlying earnings  
per share *

+5.8%

Constant currency

Operating cash flow 
(in CHF)

Free cash flow * 
(in CHF)

13.9 billion

42.1% of net financial debt

8.7 billion

Proposed dividend 
(in CHF)

Proposed dividend  
increase

2.80

+1.8%

1

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Dear fellow  
shareholders,

Nestlé is the Good food, Good life company.  
We pursue opportunities for foods, beverages and 
nutritional health solutions that contribute to a 
healthier, tastier and more sustainable future. 

2

Exemplifying consistency and dependability
2021 saw continued impact from the COVID-19 pandemic 
along with new supply chain pressures. Nestlé is navigating 
these challenges as we consistently pursue our long-term 
strategy. We are innovating new products quickly and 
moving purposely forward in our digital transformation to 
stay at the forefront of our industry. We conduct our business 
as we always have – in the spirit of Creating Shared Value.

Thanks to fast-paced innovation, strong brand investment, 
increased digitalization and stringent portfolio management, 
organic growth was strong across most geographies and 
categories. This was supported by momentum in retail sales 
and a return to growth in out-of-home channels. Highlights 
from 2021 include the following:

 – Organic growth reached 7.5%, with real internal growth 

(RIG) of 5.5% and pricing of 2.0%. Growth was supported 
by continued momentum in retail sales, steady recovery 
of out-of-home channels, increased pricing and market 
share gains. 

 – Total reported sales increased by 3.3% to 

CHF 87.1 billion (2020: CHF 84.3 billion). Foreign 
exchange reduced sales by 1.3%. Net divestitures had a 
negative impact of 2.9%.

 – Underlying trading operating profit (UTOP) margin 
was 17.4%, decreasing by 30 basis points. The trading 
operating profit (TOP) margin decreased by 290 basis 
points to 14.0% on a reported basis.

 – Underlying earnings per share increased by 5.8% in 

constant currency and increased by 5.1% on a reported 
basis to CHF 4.42. Earnings per share increased by 41.1% 
to CHF 6.06 on a reported basis. 
 – Free cash flow was CHF 8.7 billion.

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Paul Bulcke, Chairman (left), and U. Mark Schneider, Chief Executive Officer (right)

With a global, balanced and diversified portfolio, Nestlé’s 
decentralized structure enables agile responses to shifts 
in consumer needs, customer demands and supply chain 
challenges. In 2021, we sharpened our geographic focus 
even further, creating Zones North America and Greater 
China effective January 1, 2022.

“With a global, balanced and 
diversified portfolio, Nestlé’s 
decentralized structure enables agile 
responses to shifts in consumer needs, 
customer demands and supply  
chain challenges.”

Living our strategic focus
We continued our portfolio transformation in 2021, investing 
in high-growth categories that contribute to our Nutrition, 
Health and Wellness strategy.

Nestlé Health Science is building a nutrition and health 
powerhouse through a combination of strong organic growth 
and targeted acquisitions. The addition of core brands of The 
Bountiful Company establishes Nestlé Health Science as the 
industry leader in vitamins, minerals and supplements.

We continue the strategic transformation of our global water 
business, completing the divestment of our North American 
Water brands. The focus is on our iconic international and 
premium mineral water brands as well as healthy hydration 
products. The acquisition of Essentia premium water 
expands our functional hydration offerings.

3

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Beyond portfolio transformation, we are investing in 
research and development (R&D) to make our portfolio more 
nutritious, delicious and sustainable. We have increased 
capital expenditure to support our fast-growing categories – 
particularly coffee and pet care – to meet future demand.

Driving fast-paced innovation
We invest in developing solutions to meet growing consumer 
preferences for healthier products, reducing the time from 
concept to store shelf. Our focus is on anticipating growing 
trends, rapidly testing new ideas and bringing products to 
market with ongoing adaptation. We have maintained the 
same innovation speed since 2019 despite challenges due to 
the pandemic. 

Building a pipeline of meaningful innovations by investing 
in R&D fuels our growth. We deliver innovations quickly 
and scale them across brands, categories and geographies. 
Throughout the pandemic our launches have steadily 
increased. In 2021, we increased the number of  
global/multi-market launches and test launches by 12%.

Coffee. From the way coffee is grown and produced to 
how it is consumed, we are innovating for better consumer 
coffee experiences and improved livelihoods for farmers. 
Nestlé’s plant scientists announced a major breakthrough 
in 2021 by discovering two new Robusta varieties with up to 
50% higher yields per tree versus standard varieties along 
with lower carbon emissions. Harnessing Nestlé’s unique 
expertise in roasting technology, the new Nescafé Gold Blend 
Roastery Collection is a super-premium barista-style soluble 
coffee. For coffee connoisseurs, Nespresso limited edition 
La Cumplida Refinada coffee uses fermentation to create a 
uniquely sweet and fruity flavor profile.

“Building a pipeline of meaningful 
innovations by investing in R&D fuels 
our growth. We deliver innovations 
quickly and scale them across brands, 
categories and geographies.”

4

Vitamins, minerals and supplements. Our rich pipeline 
of innovations in Nestlé Health Science continues to 
empower people to take more control over their health. 
Responding to increased demand for products that support 
a healthy immune system, Nestlé Health Science introduced 
Vital Proteins Immune Support Gummies and Persona 
Immune Support.

Plant-based. Market demand for plant-based products is 
creating opportunities for new offerings across the entire 
food and beverage portfolio, which also contribute to our 
sustainability goals. Following the success of Vuna since its 
launch in 2020, in 2021 Garden Gourmet introduced vegan 
egg and shrimp alternatives, vEGGie and Vrimp. Plant-based 
food products generated sales of around CHF 800 million in 
2021, posting 16.8% organic growth. We also expanded our 
dairy alternatives with pea-based, carbon-neutral Wunda. 
The new plant-based KitKat V is delighting both KitKat lovers 
and new consumers. 

Connecting through digitalization
Nestlé is accelerating digitalization, using data and 
technology to unlock efficiencies and growth opportunities. 
We are taking advantage of rapid shifts in consumer 
behavior by amplifying our digital-centric businesses and 
scaling digital capabilities. Artificial intelligence and remote 
assistance are allowing us to be more agile and flexible in 
our manufacturing sites and supply chains.

We see enhancing digital capabilities as a success 
factor. Across each of our categories, digital ecosystems 
are unlocking new avenues for insight, innovation and 
sustainable profitable growth. We are scaling direct access 
to consumers to enhance personalization in our marketing 
and direct-to-consumer offerings for greater engagement 
and loyalty. E-commerce sales grew by 15.1% to account for 
14.3% of total Group sales.

Creating Shared Value
Creating Shared Value has always been fundamental to 
the way we do business at Nestlé. We have long believed 
that our company can only be successful in the long term 
by creating value for both our shareholders and society. For 
decades, our activities and products have aimed to make 

Nestlé Annual Review 2021practice of adding diverse experience and expertise through 
the appointment of a new independent director. In recent 
years we have, in particular, strengthened the Board’s 
expertise on food systems, food and beverage, digitalization 
and other topics.

During 2021, the Board further refined its governance 
framework by the creation of a separate, dedicated 
Sustainability Committee, which advises on all aspects 
of Nestlé’s ESG agenda, including the Group’s efforts on 
climate change, human rights, and diversity and inclusion.

Bringing our purpose to life
We are creating shared value for our shareholders and all 
stakeholders connected to our business by unlocking the 
power of food to enhance quality of life. Our employees 
bring our purpose to life – we thank them for their exemplary 
dedication and hard work. We are also grateful for our 
business partners, our consumers and the support of the 
communities in which we operate. And we thank you, our 
shareholders, for your continued trust, confidence and 
motivation to be part of our journey.

Paul Bulcke
Chairman

U. Mark Schneider
Chief Executive Officer

a positive difference to society in order to foster Nestlé’s 
ongoing success. We have not wavered in that commitment.

This focus on shared value is more important than ever. 
Nestlé is fully committed to accelerating the transformation 
toward equitable, net-zero emission and nature-positive 
food systems that can nourish all people. In September 2021, 
Nestlé unveiled a new promise to advance regenerative food 
systems at scale, building on our Net Zero Roadmap.

“Creating Shared Value has always been 
fundamental to the way we do business 
at Nestlé. We have long believed that 
our company can only be successful 
in the long term by creating value for 
both our shareholders and society.”

Regenerative agriculture. We are investing CHF 1.2 billion 
by 2025 to contribute to building regenerative agriculture 
practices. Our initiatives aim to protect ecosystems, enhance 
biodiversity and reduce emissions caused by farming in our 
supply chain. We are working closely with farmers, suppliers 
and communities where we operate to enable an equitable 
and just transition.

More sustainable portfolio. Innovation is driving forward 
products with reduced environmental impact. Several new 
plant-based, lower-carbon food and beverage products 
were launched in 2021. The new Les Recettes de l’Atelier 
Incoa illustrates our efforts to implement more sustainable 
production by using a proprietary innovation to create a dark 
chocolate made entirely from cocoa fruit, reducing waste by 
using cocoa pulp as a natural sweetener.

Refining Board oversight
Our Board of Directors continued to provide valuable 
guidance on our strategy and our environmental, social 
and governance (ESG) agenda in 2021. We maintained our 

5

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Creating value 
through our strategy

Nature’s Bounty Immune 24 Hour+
Nature’s Bounty Immune 24 Hour+ contains 
Ester-C – which lasts up to two times longer 
than regular vitamin C – vitamin D, zinc, 
elderberry and echinacea, providing advanced, 
long-lasting immune support.

6

7.1%

8.2%

growth in affordable 
nutrition products

organic growth in  
high-growth categories

12.0% 

growth in premium  
products

18.2% 

growth from recent 
acquisitions (2017-2021)

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Our portfolio is always evolving to meet consumer 
demands. Our long-term strategy is centered around 
respect for the future. We shape our portfolio with 
products that are right for consumers and set goals that 
contribute to a healthier environment.

Making strategic choices
We focus our energy and resources where unlocking the 
power of food can make the greatest positive impact on 
the lives of people and pets, the environment, and our 
shareholders and other stakeholders. Products that are 
healthy for consumers and the planet make for good 
business. That is why we take the following actions:

 – Apply our expertise in nutrition, health and wellness – 
developed over more than 150 years – to help people, 
families and pets live happier, healthier lives. 
 – Bring distinctive, premium innovations to market 

fueled by creative exploration and consumer insights, 
pioneering nutrition science and culinary excellence. 
 – Meet the needs of the modern consumer with healthy, 
delicious, convenient products for conscious, time-
constrained lifestyles.

We compete in attractive and growing categories and 
prioritize investments to stay relevant and win in every 
segment and market in which we operate. Our digital 
technologies help us identify emerging consumer needs and 
business model opportunities so we can bring differentiated 
innovation to market fast. We partner with customers across 
the retail landscape to adapt our product portfolio and 
channel strategies, leveraging our global brands to customize 
new products for local tastes and preferences. In 2021, our 
investment in strategic drivers yielded the following:

 – High-growth categories of coffee, pet care, nutrition, 

water and nutritional health science, together 
representing 63% of sales, grew by 8.2%. 

 – Plant-based food products generated sales of around 

CHF 800 million with organic growth of 16.8%.

 – 31 of our trusted brands, including Maggi, Milo and Nido, 
generated over CHF 1 billion each in annual sales at the 
retail level.

 – E-commerce sales represented 14.3% of sales and grew 

by 15.1%, and our digital spend increased to 51%.

 – Direct-to-consumer businesses represented 8.7% of sales 

and grew by 8.7%. 

 – Offer more plant-based food and beverage options to be 

 – Our premium offerings represented 35% of sales and 

consumers’ first choice as they diversify their diets.
 – Produce affordable, safe and high-quality nutrition 

for everyone, regardless of their income level, taking 
advantage of our long-standing presence around 
the world.

 – Strive to package and deliver our products in ways that 

are safe and protect the environment.

 – Commit to ambitious sustainability goals to advance the 
health of the planet, drive societal progress and support 
sustainable, healthy food systems.

Our long-term value creation model is based on the 
balanced pursuit of top- and bottom-line growth as well as 
improved capital efficiency. We create value guided by three 
strategic pillars:

 – Growth through continuous innovation. 
 – Operational efficiency.
 – Resource and capital allocation with discipline 

and clear priorities, including through acquisitions 
and divestitures.

grew by 12%. 

 – Emerging markets represented 41% of sales and grew  

by 7.8%. 

 – Sales of affordable, accessible products – many nutrient-

fortified – grew by 7.1% and accounted for 18.9% of 
emerging market sales.

We focus on categories and geographies with attractive 
dynamics where Nestlé has an ability to win. Since 2017, we 
have completed or announced more than 85 transactions 
(acquisitions and divestitures) with annual sales equivalent 
to around 20% of 2017 Group sales. In 2021, we completed 
the following:

 – Divestment of our Nestlé Waters North America brands.
 – Acquisition of the core brands of The Bountiful Company, 
including Nature’s Bounty, Solgar, Osteo Bi-Flex, Puritan’s 
Pride, Ester-C and Sundown.

 – Acquisition of Essentia, a premium functional water brand.
 – Acquisition of Nuun, a leader in functional hydration 

through effervescent tablets.

Sustaining mid single-digit organic sales growth 
Our success is built on maintaining a diversified portfolio, 
both in terms of geography and category. Our agility in 
changing environments and cultivation of our high-quality 
global, regional and local brands contribute to long-term 
financial performance. Our objective is to sustain a mid 
single-digit organic growth rate through rapid innovation, 
market share gains and portfolio management.

We take decisive action to restore growth and profitability 
when businesses underperform. In 2021, we implemented  
a turnaround plan for our Wyeth infant nutrition business  
in China.

Enhancing operational efficiency
We fuel our growth agenda through disciplined cost 
management, improving operational efficiency at all levels 

7

Nestlé Annual Review 2021of the business. In combination with sales growth, this 
approach enables us to free up resources for reinvestment 
in product innovation, brand building, digitalization 
and sustainability initiatives, while creating value for 
our shareholders.

We continued to adapt our organization to be more agile, 
flexible and digitalized. In manufacturing, we continued 
to upgrade our operational footprint. In 2021, we reduced 
factory fixed overheads by 1.0%. In procurement, increased 
global buying combined with a reduced number of product 
specifications helped us reduce costs and complexity. 
Global buying through our three purchasing hubs was 63% 
in 2021. In our administration, we continued to simplify and 
standardize processes. The penetration of our shared service 
centers increased for the sixth consecutive year. Our five-
quarter average working capital in % of sales was essentially 
stable at 0.1% at the end of 2021.

Allocating capital prudently
Our priorities are to invest in the long-term growth and 
development of our business, while increasing shareholder 
returns and creating shared value. We take a disciplined 
approach to capital allocation, with prudent financial policies 
designed to strike the right balance between growth, returns 
and flexible access to financial markets.

Investing for the long term takes the form of R&D 
investment, brand support and capital expenditure to 
support organic profitable growth. We allocate these 
resources discerningly, focusing on projects with the highest 
potential to create economic profit. We are accelerating our 
capital expenditure plans for our fast-growing categories, 
particularly coffee and pet care.

We are disciplined when it comes to mergers and 
acquisitions in order to protect our Return on Invested 
Capital (ROIC). We have a thorough project governance 
in place, with clear accountability and targets. Potential 
acquisitions must have a good strategic and cultural fit with 
our organization and offer attractive financial returns. We 
look for creative ways to structure transactions and build 
partnerships that enhance our strategic options.

We have demonstrated our commitment to maintaining a  
high level of reinvestment into the business while at 
the same time continually increasing capital returns to 
shareholders. We do this by increasing our dividend year 
after year. Based on our 2021 performance, the Board of 
Directors has proposed a dividend increase of 5 centimes to 
CHF 2.80 per share to be paid in April 2022. This will be our 
27th consecutive annual dividend increase. As a result of our 
strong free cash flow generation and business disposals, 
we continued to return excess cash to shareholders through 

8

Investing in  
strategic and  
high-growth  
regions

200

n 150
o

i
l
l
i

m
F
H
C

100

50

 A   Romont, Switzerland
2022: site extension  
ready for production

Additional capacity for 
Nespresso Vertuo and 
Nestlé Professional 
coffee ranges

  CHF 270 million investment

share buybacks. The company’s existing share buyback 
program terminated on December 31, 2021. In 2020 and 
2021, Nestlé repurchased 123.1 million of its shares for 
a total amount of CHF 13.1 billion at an average price of 
CHF 106.08 per share, almost two-thirds of the anticipated 
CHF 20 billion existing program volume. A new plan 
commenced on January 3, 2022. Under this new program 
Nestlé plans to repurchase CHF 20 billion of its shares 
over the period 2022 to 2024. The company expects to buy 
around CHF 10 billion of shares in the first twelve months. 

Creating Shared Value: The way we operate
We build for the long term, act with focus and combine 
global resources with local know-how to create value for 
both society and our shareholders at a meaningful scale. 
We do so because we believe that business should act as 

Nestlé Annual Review 2021 
 
 
A

B

A

C

B

D

C

D

3

3

A

B

C

D

3

A

B

C

D

3

 B   Avenches, Switzerland
2022: site extension  
ready for production

C   Shah Alam, Malaysia
2021: fully operational

D   Batang, Indonesia
2023: ready for 
commercial production

  Over 80 countries 

served by this Nespresso 
production facility

  New facility to produce 
up to 8000 tonnes of 
plant-based food a year, 
supplying both food 
service and retail with 
Harvest Gourmet

  New facility on 20 hectares 

of land to produce 
Bear Brand, Milo and 
Nescafé beverages

  CHF 117 million investment

  CHF 35 million investment

  CHF 115 million investment

a force for good. That is why we are making a promise to 
advance regenerative food systems at scale. This requires 
a transformative change. Nestlé is embarking on a journey 
toward regeneration to help restore the environment, 
improve the livelihoods of farmers, and enhance the 
resilience and well-being of communities and our 
consumers. This promise builds on our commitment to half 
greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and to achieve net zero 
greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

9

Nestlé Annual Review 2021 
 
 
Driving purpose 
through innovation

Garden Gourmet Vuna
In just nine months to market, Nestlé 
entered the plant-based seafood 
market in late 2020 with Garden 
Gourmet Vuna. This innovative 
tuna alternative is experiencing 
enthusiastic reception after launching 
in Switzerland, Germany, Italy and the 
Netherlands.

10

1.7

23

billion Swiss francs invested 
in R&D annually

R&D locations worldwide

4100 

R&D employees  
globally

30% 

of 2021 sales from products 
innovated or renovated in 
the last three years

Nestlé Annual Review 2021At Nestlé, we leverage our industry-leading R&D 
organization to develop food, beverage and nutritional 
health products for people and pets that are good for  
them and the planet. Purpose-driven innovation underpins 
everything we do.

development, immunity and gut health. Our microbiome 
research continues to drive new products that support 
healthy digestion, immunity and general well-being. For 
example, our Gerber Powerblend cereal supports infant 
digestive health.

We drive innovation through our passionate R&D employees, 
strong expertise in science and technology, increased speed 
and efficiency, and our entrepreneurial and collaborative 
culture. Our understanding of consumer needs helps us 
deliver trend-based innovations and breakthrough nutritional 
concepts. Our innovation efforts include the following:

 – Science-based nutritional solutions.
 – Affordable, nutritious products that help underserved 

people. 

 – Sustainable food production and regenerative 

food systems.

 – Plant-based alternatives to meat, fish and dairy.
 – Expanded innovation capabilities.

Developing breakthrough nutritional solutions 
Our work to develop science-based concepts from 
preconception through to healthy aging continues. Together 
with the EpiGen Global Research Consortium, our scientists 
developed and tested a nutritional supplement for pregnant 
women that led to a significantly decreased incidence of 
preterm birth.

Our research also explores innovations for Infant Nutrition. 
Leveraging strong clinical evidence, we introduced an 
infant formula made with a combination of five human milk 
oligosaccharides (HMOs). HMOs are naturally present in 
breastmilk and play an important role in an infant’s healthy 

We are also creating specific nutritional solutions for 
diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other medical 
conditions. Nutren GlucoSmart, launched in Malaysia, 
contains proprietary mulberry leaf extract to support healthy 
glucose levels. We are working on solutions for pets, too. Pro 
Plan CardioCare was launched in 2021 within the Purina Pro 
Plan Veterinary Diets range to slow the progression of heart 
disease in dogs.

Making good nutrition affordable and accessible 
To make good nutrition affordable and accessible, 
we leverage our global presence and local innovation 
capabilities. We adjust processes and recipes, use local 
raw materials and fortify products with locally relevant 
micronutrients. Adapting solutions requires local expertise, 
consumer insights and entrepreneurship, so we partner with 
universities and start-ups.

The 2021 rollout of affordable nutrition products included 
Lactogen affordable milk powders and a new nutritious 
sorghum-based porridge under the Golden Morn brand 
in Central and West Africa. We also developed affordable 
great-tasting coffee mixes, such as Nescafé Creamy White  
in the Philippines and Nescafé Malty 3-in-1 in Nigeria.

Advancing sustainable food production
Science and technology play a role in making food 
production more sustainable across our value chain. We 

New research has 
linked a specific 
blend of myo-inositol, 
probiotics and 
micronutrients to the 
decreased incidence 
of preterm birth when 
consumed before and 
during pregnancy.

are assessing solutions to reduce 
emissions in dairy farming to develop 
climate-friendly milk. Using traditional, 
non-GMO breeding, we are developing 
higher-yielding coffee and cocoa 
varieties with a lower climate impact. 
Together with partners such as ETH 
Zurich, we are focused on reducing 
the carbon footprint of agricultural raw 
materials, and identifying nutritious 
crops for plant-based meat, dairy and 
seafood alternatives.

By upcycling agricultural side streams, 
we can avoid food waste and nutrient 
loss, and unlock new revenues for  
farmers. 2021 launches included  
100% cocoa fruit Les Recettes de  
l’Atelier Incoa that uses cocoa pulp –  
a byproduct of cocoa growing – as a 

11

Nestlé Annual Review 2021R&D chefs use their 
culinary expertise to 
bring innovations into 
kitchens worldwide 
and adapt them 
to local consumer 
preferences and 
recipes. 

Enhancing our innovation capabilities 
Our unmatched expertise in nutrition science and technology 
enables us to deliver innovations quickly and scale them 
up across brands, categories and geographies. To increase 
speed-to-market, we produce the first commercial batches 
for shop tests in our R&D facilities. In 2021, we expanded 
our R&D facility in Singapore, which develops products and 
technologies for South East Asia and beyond, supporting 
brands such as Maggi, Nescafé, Milo and Harvest Gourmet.

In 2021, we continued to deliver fast innovation by leveraging 
our vast expertise and global innovation capabilities. We 
have maintained the same innovation speed since 2019 
despite challenges due to the pandemic. Highlights include 
the following:

 – 12% increase in global/multi-market launches and 

test launches.

 – 50 fast-track projects funded, leading to shop tests 

and launches.

Fostering entrepreneurship and investing in bottom-up 
initiatives is key for us. Employees can apply for funding via 
our internal “Shark Tank,” leading to the launch of products 
such as Garden Gourmet Vuna, Gerber Soothe ’n’ Chew 
teething sticks and Les Recettes de l’Atelier Incoa.

natural sweetener and Nescafé 2X Caffeine that makes use of 
the caffeine lost in the decaffeination process.

Our innovations in packaging also play a role in improving 
sustainability. In 2021, we introduced paper-based 
packaging for several brands, paper cups and straws, and 
bio-based lids and scoops. We also reduced the use of virgin 
plastics and unveiled prototype 100% rPET Perrier bottles 
made using a novel recycling technology.

Meeting demand for plant-based products 
To develop great-tasting, nutritious and sustainable plant-
based products we leverage protein science, nutrition 
expertise and proprietary technologies. Our plant scientists 
work with farmers to breed and select nutritious, tasty pulse 
varieties best suited for plant-based alternatives. To make 
plant-based alternatives more available in geographies 
with a limited supply chain, we are developing shelf-stable 
products that do not need to be chilled or frozen.

We are pioneering seafood alternatives that can help 
reduce overfishing and protect ocean biodiversity with the 
continued rollout of Garden Gourmet Vuna and the launch 
of Garden Gourmet Vrimp, our shrimp alternative. Garden 
Gourmet vEGGie, our first egg alternative, offers consumers 
a nutritious, tasty plant-based option.

Our launches of plant-based alternatives to dairy continued 
in 2021. Pea-based Wunda is a nutritious alternative to milk 
that can be used in everything. Plant-based dairy products 
were also introduced across product categories, including 
coffee creamers, ice cream, malt beverages and chocolate.

12

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Bringing  
innovations 
to life

Our global R+D Accelerator program 
provides start-ups, students and 
Nestlé scientists with key resources 
to explore new ideas through a six-
month test-and-learn approach. By 
tapping into our expertise in food 
science, safety, regulatory affairs and 
packaging, they can rapidly upscale 
and test new products in real market 
conditions.

focuses on a specific product category 
or region. For example, we have 
Accelerators at our R&D centers for 
dairy, nutrition, coffee, confectionery 
and food products. Our regional 
Accelerators in ASEAN, China, India, 
sub-Saharan Africa and the United 
States work with local start-ups and 
students to develop innovations 
relevant to their regions.

Today, our global R+D Accelerator 
network consists of 12 sites in 
8 different countries. Each Accelerator 
is located at a Nestlé R&D site and 

IN FIGURES

A

A

A

A

B

A
B
B

A

A

B

B
C
C

C

B

C
A

C

D

D
D

C

D

B

A

B

A

B

C

B

D
3
C

3
3

D

C

3

D

3

D

3

D

C

D

3

3

3

3

12

R+D 
Accelerator 
sites in 
8 different 
countries

China
Côte d’Ivoire
Germany
India

Singapore
Switzerland
UK
US

Our recently inaugurated site 
embedded at Nestlé’s research facilities 
in Lausanne accelerates the translation 
of fundamental science into cross-
category innovations. It is the industry’s 
largest Accelerator with a variety 
of coworking stations, prototyping 
kitchens and mini-production facilities.

Since 2019, more than 250 participants 
have benefitted from the R+D 
Accelerator program and 90 products 
have been tested in 20 countries. 
Recent launches include the milk 
alternative Wunda and bioactive 
beverage X-tract that supports 
muscular energy, as well as a smoothie 
range for immunity protection 
and energy.

Wunda, our nutritious pea-based milk  
alternative developed by Nestlé “intrapreneurs” 
in six months, has a neutral taste and real 
versatility – plus, it is carbon neutral.

OUR VOICES

“The R+D Accelerator 
enabled us to act like a start-
up while benefitting from 
Nestlé expertise and facilities.”

Loriane Sutter
Innovation Coach
Switzerland

13

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Creating  
Shared Value

The Nestlé Cocoa Plan
Nestlé is investing in cocoa communities 
such as Didoko, Côte d’Ivoire, to help children 
access good quality education.

4.0 million tonnes

8.1%

greenhouse gas emissions reductions 
(CO₂e) through Nestlé projects since 2018

reduction in virgin plastic  
in our packaging since 2018

97.2% 

27.2% 

deforestation-free in our primary 
supply chains

women in the top 200+ senior 
executive positions 

14

Nestlé Annual Review 2021We are investing  
CHF 1.2 billion by 2025 
to help farmers adopt 
regenerative practices.

Nestlé’s purpose is to unlock the power of food to  
enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for 
generations to come. This purpose drives us to make  
a positive impact on the lives of people, pets and the 
planet – now and in the future.

Evolving our approach to creating shared value
Creating Shared Value (CSV) has always been fundamental 
to the way we do business. We have long believed that 
our company can only be successful in the long term by 
creating value both for our shareholders and for society. 
For decades, our activities and products have aimed to 
make a positive difference to society and foster Nestlé’s 
ongoing success.

This focus on shared value is more important than ever. 
The first-ever UN Food Systems Summit highlighted the 
need to transform food systems if society is to achieve the 
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With only eight 
years left to meet the 2030 SDG deadline, Nestlé is fully 
committed to helping accelerate the transformation toward 
equitable, net-zero emission and nature-positive food 
systems that can nourish the world.

Guided by materiality
In an ever-changing world, we know that stakeholder 
priorities are constantly evolving and that we must 
reevaluate our activities to continue to meet expectations. 
Every two years, we conduct a comprehensive materiality 
assessment based on stakeholder interviews to identify  
and prioritize the economic, social and environmental 
impacts that matter most to our business and stakeholders. 
The analysis helps guide where we focus internal resources 
and the areas covered in our reporting.

The assessment is fully integrated with Nestlé’s Enterprise 
Risk Management process, to ensure wider sustainability 
impacts are incorporated into the risks and opportunities 
under consideration across the company. The financial 
review section has more information on the principal risks to 
our business.

In 2021, we tested the use of more data-driven insights 
to supplement the stakeholder interviews. We found that 
climate change and decarbonization still rank high globally, 
while water, human rights and responsible sourcing 
remain significant. We also confirmed that diversity and 
inclusion as well as biodiversity are increasingly important. 
All topics are covered in our Creating Shared Value and 
Sustainability Report.

This section covers the major material impacts identified 
in our materiality assessment. We cross-referenced these 
areas with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board 
(SASB) standards for Processed Foods and Non-Alcoholic 
Beverages to ensure coverage of the topics most relevant  
to our investors. We plan to update our materiality 
assessment in full in 2022.

Read our Creating Shared Value and Sustainability Report:  
www.nestle.com/csv-report-2021 
Read more about materiality on our website:  
www.nestle.com/materiality 

15

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Advancing  
regenerative 
food systems  
at scale

Transforming food systems is key to addressing urgent climate-related 
challenges and for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, 
targeted for achievement by 2030.

Nestlé is aware of this urgency. 
Building on our long-held commitment 
to Creating Shared Value, we are 
embarking on a journey that will take 
us beyond sustainability and toward 
regeneration: to help protect, renew 
and restore the environment; improve 
the livelihoods of farmers; and  
enhance the well-being of 
farming communities.

In September 2021, we hosted an 
online dialogue to launch our promise 
to advance regenerative food systems 
at scale, engaging with and listening 
to a varied group of stakeholders who 
can help us take the next steps on this 
ambitious journey.

We believe we can have the greatest 
immediate and long-term impact by 
prioritizing regenerative agriculture, 
which can help improve soil health, 
restore water cycles and increase 
biodiversity for the long term. This work 
builds on programs such as the Nestlé 
Cocoa Plan, Nescafé Plan and the 
Nespresso AAA Program. The outcomes 
form the foundation of sustainable food 
production and, crucially, contribute to 
achieving our climate targets.

To enable a just transition, it is vital 
that we support the farmers around 
the world taking on the associated 
risks and costs. Thus, we are investing 
CHF 1.2 billion in three main areas 

OUR VOICES 

“We are building on 20 years  
of projects in agriculture –  
now is the time to go further,  
at scale.”

Pascal Chapot 
Head of Agriculture 
Switzerland

16

Nestlé Annual Review 2021OUR FOREST POSITIVE COMMITMENT

Protecting and restoring forests 
and natural ecosystems forms an 
essential part of Nestlé’s net zero 
pledge and support for the transition 
to regenerative food systems.

OUR FOREST POSITIVE COMMITMENT

by 2025 to help farmers adopt 
regenerative practices:

 – State-of-the-art science 

and technology.
 – Investment support.
 – Premiums for regenerative 

agriculture goods.

Our definition of regeneration is 
rooted in agricultural practices but 
encompasses much more. To feed the 
world for generations to come, our 
approach must go beyond doing no 
harm to having a positive impact on 
food systems at scale.

Building on a decade of action and learning, our three-pillar Forest Positive  
strategy aims to:
 – Achieve and maintain deforestation-free primary supply chains for meat, 
palm oil, pulp and paper, soy and sugar by end of 2022 (97.2% achieved 
in 2021).

 – Take action in our supply chains to help restore degraded forests and natural 
ecosystems, including 20 million trees planted per year, while respecting the 
rights of indigenous peoples and local communities.

 – Work with governments, suppliers and others on large-scale projects to help 

transform the key landscapes where we source. 

17

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Cerelac instant 
cereals include a 
range of nutritious, 
easily-digested 
instant cereals that 
are suitable as a 
complementary food 
for infants from six 
months onwards.

Marketing responsibly
In 2021, Nestlé confirmed its 
inclusion in the FTSE4Good Breast 
Milk Substitute (BMS) Index and 
ranked second in the ATNI BMS 
Index. Our business was assessed 
as highly compliant in Mexico and 
the Philippines, the two countries 
where BMS manufacturers’ marketing 
practices were assessed.

Earlier in 2021, we published our 
response to the BMS Call to Action. 
Nestlé unilaterally committed to stop 
the promotion of formulas for infants 
from birth to six months of age in all 
countries by end of 2022.

We are fully committed to transparency and publish 
our WHO Code compliance report annually on our 
website: www.nestle.com/compliance-record

We also continue to lead the industry in responsible 
marketing to children. The ATNI Global Index continues 
to recognize our policy on Marketing Communication to 
Children and our global response mechanism for correcting 
any non-compliances.

In July 2021, we endorsed the new International 
Food & Beverage Alliance (IFBA) commitment on 
responsible marketing, together with the Alliance’s 10 other 
members. This will increase the age threshold for marketing 
to children from 12 to 13 and help further raise standards of 
responsible marketing across our industry.

Prioritizing quality and safety
Quality and safety for consumers is Nestlé’s top priority. 
This applies to our entire portfolio, from foods and 
beverages to systems and services. Quality assurance and 
product safety is one of Nestlé’s 10 Corporate Business 
Principles, while our Quality Policy guides our actions 
in this area. Our global, independently verified quality 
management system is our platform for guaranteeing 
food safety and compliance with quality standards in 
conformance with laws and regulatory requirements, 
ISO norms and internal standards.

Sourcing sustainably produced raw materials
Building on years of work with suppliers and farmers to 
source raw materials that are traceable and responsibly 
sourced, we are now raising the bar with a more 
comprehensive and systematic approach to assessing, 
addressing and reporting on social, environmental and 
animal welfare risks in our supply chain.

Unlocking the power of food
There are many dimensions to food in addition to pure 
nutrition – social interaction and enjoyment are key aspects. 
We believe that when consumed responsibly, indulgent 
products can be part of a balanced diet. We are improving 
the nutritional profile of our products by adding more 
wholegrains, proteins and fibers and reducing sugars, 
sodium and saturated fats – without compromising taste.

We explore ways to improve the 
affordability and accessibility of 
nutrient-dense products, such as 
porridges, and to tackle micronutrient 
deficiencies by fortifying favorites 
like Maggi bouillons, noodles and 
milks such as Bear Brand. We are 
developing plant-based proteins that 
are tasty, nutritious and have a lower 
environmental impact, such as Vuna 
and Wunda, while encouraging the 
widespread adoption of plant-based 
foods and beverages through our 
vegetarian and mainstream brands.

For the second time running, in 
2021 Nestlé achieved first place in 
the Access to Nutrition Initiative 
(ATNI) Global Index, giving external 
recognition to our nutrition-related 
governance, strategy and policies 
as well as the healthfulness of our 
portfolio. Our Popularly Positioned 
Products (PPP) strategy for making 
nutritious products affordable and 
accessible to underserved consumers 
was recognized as an industry  
leading practice.

LEADING INDICES

18

Nestlé Annual Review 2021 
To measure progress, we have defined a new “produced 
sustainably” key performance indicator that combines 
multiple requirements for 14 priority raw materials: coffee; 
cocoa; dairy; sugar; cereals and grains; hazelnuts; palm oil; 
pulp and paper; soya; vegetables; spices; coconut; fish and 
seafood; and meat, poultry and eggs. The minimum criteria 
to define if a material is “produced sustainably” are:

 – Traceable back to point of origin (farm or group of farms).
 – Human rights and environmental due diligence systems 
are in place to assess, address and report on potential or 
actual impacts in the supply chain as defined in the Nestlé 
Responsible Sourcing Standard.

 – The tier-1 supplier is measurably progressing in 

addressing the identified impacts in its supply chain,  
as well as animal welfare where applicable.

In 2021, we focused on defining our new KPIs and setting  
a baseline for future reporting.

As a food company with a global presence, it takes constant 
perseverance to assess, address and remediate the complex 
and systemic human rights risks in our value chain. In 
December 2021, we updated our Human Rights Framework 
based on the lessons learned over the last decade and to 
strengthen our focus on due diligence. Our next step is to 
publish action plans for each of our salient human rights 
issues. Each action plan will describe the actions we intend 
to take in our value chain as well as the collective action and 
engagement needed to help tackle root causes. The new 
framework will also help us stay ahead of emerging human 
rights due diligence legislation in different markets where 
we operate.

Creating youth opportunities 
The participation of the next generation of farmers, 
employees and consumers will be essential for the transition 
to regenerative food systems. Nestlé is committed to helping 
10 million young people around the world access economic 
opportunities by 2030.

Respecting human rights
At Nestlé, we are determined to respect and promote human 
rights in our value chains. Farmer livelihoods and resilient 
farming communities will be essential for a just transition 
to regenerative food systems that can provide quality, 
affordable food for the long term.

Much of our work in this area takes place through the Nestlé 
needs YOUth program, which provides the training and 
resources young people need to improve their employability 
and nurture their entrepreneurial talent. For several years, 
Nestlé needs YOUth has been helping secure the next 

To ensure the long-
term quality and 
sustainability of our 
supplies, we are 
helping young people 
to make agriculture 
a profitable and 
sustainable activity.

19

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Promesa, a Mexico 
City-based social 
enterprise focusing 
on youth education 
to combat global 
waste, was the overall 
winner of Nestlé’s 
2021 Creating Shared 
Value (CSV) Prize.

In 2021, 27.2% of our top 200+ 
senior executive positions were held 
by women. In January 2022, we 
were recognized by the Bloomberg 
Equality Index for the fourth 
consecutive year for advancing the 
gender balance in our workplace.
We also work to empower the 
many women farmers in our supply 
chain with training on good farming 
practices, financial literacy and 
leadership to help them improve 
their business, income and financial 
independence. We offer support 
to help women farmers secure 
better access to land, credit and 
information, and train our farming 

generation of farmers in our supply chain by identifying and 
training young people as agripreneurs.

partners and agronomists in gender awareness to help the 
industry become more diverse and equitable.

In 2021, we continued our long-standing Agripreneurship 
Program, with a focus on Farmer Business Schools. These 
help to teach farmers relevant business skills with the aim of 
making their farms more financially robust.

Supporting gender diversity
To help us build a more diverse company that can better 
reflect and serve society, we committed to increase the 
percentage of women in our top 200+ senior executive 
positions to 30% by 2022. In setting this goal, we aim to 
hold ourselves to account and set a visible example that 
empowers women throughout our company. Actions include 
rolling out inclusive policies such as our gender-neutral 
Nestlé Global Parental Support Policy and our updated Anti-
discrimination Policy, launched in April. We also conduct 
training in areas such as unconscious bias and implement 
mentoring and sponsorship programs to prepare high-
potential women for senior executive positions. Once we 
reach our 30% goal, we will continue to aim higher.

OUR VOICES 

“Our commitment to providing equal 
opportunities is longstanding.”

Nilufer Demirkol
Head of Diversity and Inclusion 
Switzerland

20

Addressing climate change
Nestlé recognizes both the risks climate change poses to 
its business and the opportunities for companies willing 
to take decisive action. This is why we made our net zero 
pledge. We have identified climate-related risks, including 
supply constraints; policy changes such as increased 
carbon taxes, land-use restrictions and agricultural 
subsidy shifts; and increased public concern affecting 
our reputation.

As more than 70% of our direct and indirect GHG 
emissions occur in our agricultural supply chain, our 
primary focus is on the physical risks facing producers. 
Based on a decade of work, we are building robust 
mitigation and adaptation plans to improve supply chain 
resilience. Examples include our work on drought-resistant 
coffee varieties (see the Powdered and Liquid Beverages 
case study) and our investment in new technologies to 
increase dairy-farm efficiency while reducing emissions 
and improving animal welfare.

In 2021, we continued to apply the Taskforce on Climate-
related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework by 
assessing physical risks in our value chain over a longer 
time horizon. Details are available in our second TCFD 
report: www.nestle.com/tcfd-report. We also joined the 
Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures working 
group in 2021, to advance the collective understanding of 
how to report on risks and dependencies related to the 
natural environment.

Tackling plastic pollution
Tackling plastic waste is an urgent priority and an issue we 
take seriously. Our vision is that none of our packaging, 

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Nestlé Waters is 
working at a local 
level to help manage 
shared water 
challenges such as 
flood risks and water 
scarcity.

including plastics, ends up in landfills or as litter, including in 
oceans, lakes or rivers.

Our strategy for addressing plastic pollution has five 
workstreams: reducing packaging materials, scaling 
reusable and refillable systems, pioneering alternative 
materials, supporting infrastructure for a waste-free future 
and accelerating behavior change.

In 2021, we reduced virgin plastic in our packaging by 
8.1% compared with 2018. We are accelerating our plastic 
packaging reduction activities.

Nestlé Philippines completed its first full year of plastic 
neutrality in 2021, having collected and co-processed more 
than 27,000 tonnes of plastic waste along with partners – 
slightly more than the market produced in the same period.

Nestlé’s 2021 Creating Shared Value (CSV) Prize rewarded 
five winners working to transform the future of waste and 
bring us closer to a circular economy. The overall winner was 
Promesa, a Mexico City–based social enterprise that works 
with schools across Latin America to educate youth about 
combatting the global waste challenge.

Improving water stewardship
Our long-term success relies on sustainable access to 
water in the regions where we source ingredients, operate 
our factories and sell our products. Yet scientists predict 
that as our climate changes, almost half of watersheds will 

reach their limit by 2050. As water is a shared resource, 
we can only address challenges in collaboration with local 
stakeholders. Our water business is leading the way with 
regeneration of water cycles.

In our supply chain, we are working with suppliers and 
farmers to increase resilience in areas that are water-scarce 
now, or that may become so due to climate change.  
We have already developed action plans tailored to the 
needs of specific crops, such as cereals, coffee, dairy, sugar 
and tomatoes, in high-priority regions and will work to 
incorporate water stewardship into our global regenerative 
agriculture program.

Advancing the regeneration of water cycles
Nestlé Waters is investing CHF 120 million to assist the 
implementation of more than 100 projects to help regenerate 
ecosystems in the areas around each of its bottling sites. As 
of 2025, these projects will help nature retain more water 
than the business uses in its operations.

In Buxton, a famous British spa town, we are partnering 
with local stakeholders to come up with practical, natural 
interventions to help prevent flooding. Our aim is to 
help retain more rainwater in the landscape so it does 
not rush into the river too rapidly and cause flooding. All 
interventions at Buxton also aim to increase biodiversity and 
carbon capture.

21

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Our net zero
pledge one  
year on

In December 2020, Nestlé published a detailed and rigorous Net Zero 
Roadmap showing how we plan to halve our direct and indirect GHG 
emissions by 2030 versus a 2018 baseline and achieve net zero by 
2050 – as our business continues to grow.

The Skimmelkrans Net Zero Carbon 
Emissions Project in South Africa.

In August, the Intergovernmental Panel 
on Climate Change confirmed that the 
climate crisis is intensifying. Pledges 
are not enough – the need for rapid 
action at scale has never been clearer.

In the year since publishing our 
roadmap, we have launched our new 
Forest Positive strategy, launched a 
CHF 1.2 billion investment over five 
years in regenerative agriculture and 
achieved carbon neutrality for four of 
our brands.

We aim to create the company’s 
first net zero dairy farm by 2023.

We are supporting the farmers who 
produce our raw materials globally 

22

to introduce practices that protect 
ecosystems, enhance biodiversity 
and reduce emissions caused 
by farming. Some of this work 
takes place through our direct 
relationships with farmers. One 
example is the Skimmelkrans Net 
Zero Carbon Emissions Project in 
George, South Africa, where we aim 
to create the company’s first net 
zero dairy farm by 2023. In other 
cases, we work in partnership with 
suppliers on the raw materials we 
source indirectly. In our operations, 
we are switching to 100% renewable 
electricity by 2025.

Nestlé Annual Review 2021TURNING FACTORY WASTE TO ENERGY

Excess coffee waste from Nescafé and Nespresso factories helps fuel the biogas 
digester that heats our Henniez bottled water plant and provides electricity for  
local residents.

We now report our greenhouse gas 
(GHG) emissions performance quarterly 
to executive management. We have 
achieved 4.0 million tonnes of GHG 
emissions reductions (CO₂e) through 
Nestlé projects since 2018. We have also 
initiated removals of 9.7 million tonnes 
CO₂e through Nestlé projects, giving a 
total of 13.7 million tonnes CO₂e. This is 
in line with our roadmap and target to 
halve emissions by 2030, with reductions 
and removals planned to increase over 
the remainder of the decade.

Our Net Zero Roadmap:  
www.nestle.com/net-zero

Advocating for change
In this pivotal year, we continued to 
advocate for ambitious government 
policies and private sector leadership 
to ensure rapid and sustained 
reductions in GHG emissions. 
Examples include:

 – Joining global calls to action for 
governments to increase their 
collective ambition on climate  
and keep the 1.5° C pathway  
within reach, including from the 
World Economic Forum, We  
Mean Business and Glasgow is  
our Business.

 – Speaking at events at COP26 in 
support of organizations that are 
pressing for policymakers to make 
greater global progress.

 – Market-level advocacy such as 

linking our net zero ambition with 
Nationally Determined Contributions 
in countries such as the Philippines 
and Thailand, and joining calls to 
action for specific countries to speed 
up emissions reductions.

23

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Transforming through 
digitalization

Tails.com
Tails.com is powered by a proprietary 
nutritional algorithm developed by vets, 
nutritionists and software engineers to offer 
personalized pet nutrition through direct-to-
consumer subscription and home delivery.

24

51%

7.4%

of total media spend  
on digital media

increase in direct-to-
consumer e-commerce

>18% 

increase in 1st party 
consumer data records

100+ 

connected factories

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Nestlé partnered 
with Italian blogger 
and fashion designer 
Chiara Ferragni for 
a limited edition 
Nespresso x Chiara 
Ferragni collection 
and digital campaign.

new business opportunities. We seek 
growth across digital ecosystems, 
from partnerships with retailers to 
direct-to-consumer businesses such as 
Nespresso, Persona and Tails.com.

Strong growth in pet care is an 
example of how digital connections 
to the consumer can be successfully 
leveraged through an ecosystem of 
products and services. The business 
has been on a journey of digital 
transformation, evolving from a pet 
food business to a pet care business. 
We acquired Wamiz, the pet adoption 
and advice platform, in 2018. Nestlé’s 
majority stake in Tails.com is boosting 

Our industry is transforming into one that is driven and 
shaped by data and technology. From engaging the 
consumer through analytics to speeding up operations 
with artificial intelligence (AI), we are accelerating our 
digital transformation to drive growth and agility.

Leveraging connections
Consumers today want access to goods and services their 
way, regardless of channel. They care about sustainability 
and health. And they expect brands to offer personalized 
solutions in real time. To meet these needs, we are focusing 
our digitalization efforts in the following areas:

 – Consumer-focused, channel-less digital ecosystems.
 – Always-on analytics across the value chain.
 – Connected operations for efficiency, sustainability 

and growth.

 – Tracking progress on sustainability initiatives.

Creating channel-less ecosystems
We see enhancing digital capabilities as a key driver of our 
evolution. Across each of our categories, digital ecosystems 
are unlocking new avenues for insight, innovation and 
sustainable, profitable growth. Our digital-centric businesses 
are acting as lighthouses to transform our core brands.

The optimal consumer experience is just as important as 
the optimal product. Our strategy is to delight different 
audiences with the right experience and content optimized 
for every platform. We are focused on channel-less 
commerce, thinking together with our retail partners about 
the brand experience rather than individual channels.

Through the responsible use of data, we are identifying 
growth opportunities where we can develop and adapt 
products that meet consumer needs. We leverage data 
across our category ecosystems to drive traffic and identify 

our data and analytic capabilities. We are collaborating 
with scientists, veterinarians and pet care professionals to 
deliver advanced pet food solutions and first-class pet care 
services. Thanks to the momentum created by this network 
of partners, we are now an attractive partner of choice for 
start-ups through our Unleashed accelerator program.

In 2021, our e-commerce sales accounted for 14.3% of sales 
and grew by 15.1%. This strong growth reflects our agility in 
adapting quickly to rapidly evolving consumer demands. We 
expect to increase our investment in digital marketing by 50% 
and almost double the percentage of e-commerce by 2025.

Advancing always-on analytics
Quick access to actionable data insights is key to 
understanding fast-changing consumer needs and 
optimizing our demand-generation activities, thus 
maximizing our resources. We are harnessing the power of 
data to streamline our business practices, becoming more 
strategic and predictive while making changes in real time. 
We continue to upgrade our analytics capabilities to measure 
the value of each consumer and customer touchpoint and 
the impact of every campaign. This allows us to make 
smarter, quicker decisions.

Backed by powerful data models and algorithms, our AI-
powered sales teams can increasingly optimize our sales 
prices and promotional activity. Smart identification of 
priority outlets and must-sell items allows for even better 
investment behind our brands. Our strategic revenue 
management program now covers 90% of our markets. 
This capability helps us to define go-to-market strategies 
and feeds the continuous evolution of brand value 
propositions, product formats and pricing structures. We 
are also leveraging AI with end-to-end analytics to deepen 
collaboration with customers, prioritize production and 
enhance promotion effectiveness.

25

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Since 2017, Nestlé’s 
in-house content 
studios have grown 
from 5 to 35 across 
all markets, 
consolidating the 
creation of original 
brand content for all 
digital channels.

Connected operations is helping us 
to act more as one team across all 
functions with complete visibility 
of the entire process from start to 
finish. By breaking down silos we are 
closer to our colleagues, suppliers, 
customers and consumers. Changes 
in demand or challenges in the supply 
chain are visible in real time so we can 
adapt fast in the most coordinated 
and effective way. This gives us a 
competitive advantage.

Supporting sustainability
Digitalization not only supports 
efficiency and growth, it also helps 
enable our sustainability agenda. To 
that end we continue to deploy systems 

and tools to monitor our progress with increased accuracy, 
through better primary data and improved calculations, in 
areas such as sustainable packaging, responsible sourcing, 
climate change and water management.

Our work with partners to test and deploy technology 
solutions in our upstream supply chains continued in 2021. 
This supports transparency by improving end-to-end 
traceability and substantiating sustainability claims. With our 
partner OpenSC, alongside farmers and suppliers in Congo, 
we designed a technology blueprint for end-to-end coffee 
traceability using smart devices and QR codes. We also 
tested methods to monitor and verify certain sustainability 
aspects of our supply chains, such as farmer’s income, 
through mobile money.

We can adjust channel strategies in real time, including 
our direct-to-consumer models. Increasingly, our brands 
employ our own 1st party data to tailor messaging to their 
consumers’ needs while respecting privacy. Our digital 
media campaigns are supported by an expanded network 
of 35 content studios that efficiently deliver dynamic, 
high-quality personalized content.

Expanding connected operations
To delight our consumers, our teams in operations must 
master every step of the production process, from sourcing 
of materials to manufacturing in our factories, to the supply 
of our products at the point of purchase. At the same time, 
we are increasing our ability to tailor our products to our 
customers’ specific needs.

All of this is made easier by innovative digital solutions 
and capabilities. We call it connected operations and 
have deployed the core technology to more than 100 sites 
worldwide. All of our factories, not only the most advanced 
and modern, are benefitting from the changes.

It all starts with better connected workers, giving our 
people the tools and information to take the right decisions 
quickly and easily. AI and predictive analytics enable 
the delivery of consistently exceptional quality and zero 
breakdowns, while collaborative robotics support factory 
automation and end-of-line customization. That gives us a 
new level of flexibility to produce for different channels and 
routes to market.

Connected transport hubs have better visibility and are able 
to plan deliveries more reliably and sustainably. Real-time 
tracking of trucks in transport hubs allows for fast rerouting 
in case of problems, less waiting time and fewer wasted 
truck miles.

26

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Connecting 
for speed  
and agility

When Regiane Christina Vitorino de 
Souza starts work, the first thing she 
grabs now is a screen. Since Nestlé 
rolled out connected, paperless 
operations to put tablets in every line 
routine, Regiane has been able to take 
her work to a higher level.

Regiane’s factory in Caçapava, 
Brazil, produces 2 300 000 units of 
confectionery a day, including famous 
brands like KitKat, Alpino and Prestígio. 
Customers and consumers rely on her 
to produce, pack and get products 
ready for shipping on time. Working 
in a new digital environment means 
Regiane has access to real-time, 

The Caçapava team uses augmented reality 
technology for technical support and to plan 
upgrades to the factory.

accurate information, and always 
knows what is happening in the factory 
and on her line. That really helps her do 
her job.

Regiane has the autonomy and the 
information to know exactly when she 
needs to take a sample of a product 
or perform an analysis. When the time 
comes to complete the documentation 
and release a batch for shipping, that is 
also digital-based.

The same principle extends to the 
support network, too. Gone are the 
days when operators might find 
themselves alone on the night shift at 
a critical moment. With digital tools, 
Regiane and her colleagues can access 
troubleshooting systems that guide 
them to the right solution for issues 
they might face.

Connected operations means 
more agile, more flexible and more 
competitive manufacturing. Just as 
importantly, Regiane’s hard work 
is fully recognized because of the 
transparency and information available 
to all.

OUR VOICES 

“A connected factory means 
real-time information for a 
more predictable and efficient 
workplace.”

Regiane Christina  
Vitorino de Souza
Line Operator for KitKat
Brazil

IN FIGURES

72 hours 

is all it takes to 
develop test molds 
for customized 
products with 3D 
printing, rather than 
the two months it 
used to take

27

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Connecting 
through 
our brands

Our brands create experiences and are enjoyed 
by people around the world.

Powdered 
and Liquid 
Beverages

PetCare

28

Nestlé Annual Review 2021

I N FA N T   C E R E A L S
I N FA N T   C E R E A L S
I N FA N T   C E R E A L S

NESTLÉ
MATERNA 
LOGO MATERNA PANTONE
JFB

94 avenue Gambetta 75020 Paris
+33 (0)1 85 56 97 00    www.carrenoir.com

TECHNIQUE

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Prepared dishes 
and cooking aids

Milk products
and Ice cream

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Confectionery

Water

Nestlé Annual Review 2021

29

powdered and liquid beverages 
Crafting the world’s  
favorite drinks

Our Powdered and Liquid Beverages category includes our coffee, cocoa and 
malt beverage businesses. This category features iconic coffee brands Nescafé, 
Nespresso and Starbucks, plus the world’s most popular chocolate malt drink, Milo.

Nescafé 
To meet the evolving trend 
of healthy nutrition and 
sustainability among young 
affluent consumers, Nescafé 
Gold plant-based lattes 
arrived in Japan in three 
variants – Almond, Oat and 
Japan-exclusive Rice.

Starbucks Holiday Blend
This special limited edition 
offered during peak 
coffee season will delight 
Starbucks lovers as well 
as new consumers with a 
unique blend of bright, lively 
Latin American and earthy 
Indonesian beans.

Nespresso 
Limited edition La 
Cumplida Refinada from 
agroforestry farms in 
Nicaragua uses tailored 
fermentation post-harvest 
to create a unique, fruity 
taste while also reducing 
water consumption.

Milo
Addressing the rising 
demand for plant-based 
beverages, Milo is now 
available with almond 
and soy instead of milk, 
maintaining its signature 
taste consumers love.

At a glance

24.0

Sales (in CHF billion)

30

23.5%

UTOP margin

27.5%

Percentage of Nestlé’s sales

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Developing 
more
sustainable 
coffee

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.

IN FIGURES

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.

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.

USD 750 

estimated additional 
income from coffee 
beans annually per 
hectare for coffee 
farmers in Mexico

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.

OUR VOICES

“These new plant varieties are 
needed to ensure a sustainable 
future for coffee growers.”

Jaime Cango, 
Chief Agronomist  
Nestlé Research  
Ecuador

250 million

high-yielding and disease-resistant coffee 
plantlets distributed since 2010

In 2021, Nestlé’s plant research 
announced a major breakthrough by 
developing varieties which can produce 

31

Nestlé Annual Review 2021petcare 
Bringing pets and 
people together

Our PetCare business delivers life-changing nutrition for pets alongside 
expertise for their owners and vets. Purina is guided by science and driven by 
passion to enrich the lives of pets and the people who love them. 

Gourmet Revelations
The new Revelations 
collection adds to the 
leading Gourmet brand with 
this innovative perfectly 
shaped delicate mousse 
complimented by delicious 
cascading gravy.

Purina Pro Plan 
The new Sensitive Skin  
& Stomach formula offers 
dogs a combination of 
high-quality ingredients, 
live probiotics and prebiotic 
fiber to nourish skin and 
coat while supporting 
digestive health.

Purina ONE 
One of Purina’s fastest 
growing brands continues 
to innovate in the super 
premium nutrition category 
with the launch of Purina 
ONE Microbiome containing 
natural prebiotic fiber to 
promote gut health.

Felix Fantastic
The leading Felix brand 
continues to expand across 
regions. New Felix Fantastic 
Tiritas, with unique tender 
cuts marinated in a delicious 
sauce, launched across Latin 
America in 2021.

At a glance

15.6

Sales (in CHF billion)

32

21.1%

UTOP margin

17.9%

Percentage of Nestlé’s sales

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Advancing 
well-being 
with science

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 

Pro Plan CardioCare 
was launched in 2021 
within the Purina Pro 
Plan Veterinary Diets 
range, proven to 
slow the progression 
of Myxomatous 
Mitral Valve Disease 
(MMVD) in dogs.

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.

OUR VOICES

“As a scientist it is incredibly 
rewarding to see our research 
making a difference in  
people’s lives.”

Ebenezer Satyaraj
Director Nutrition Science
Nestlé Purina Research
United States

IN FIGURES

Triple  
digit

growth in Pro Plan 
LiveClear sales  
in 2021

33

Nestlé Annual Review 2021nutrition and health science 
Boosting health  
through nutrition

Our nutrition business provides science-based products and solutions  
for mothers, babies and children. Our Nestlé Health Science business  
empowers healthier lives by offering an extensive portfolio of science-based 
consumer health, medical nutrition and pharmaceutical products.

Boost Complete+  
Oats & Flaxseed
This new powdered meal 
replacement offers complete 
nutrition with higher 
protein, lower sugar and 
natural ingredients.

BrainXpert
This breakthrough 
innovation that helps 
improve brain function 
by boosting ketones, an 
alternative energy source for 
brain cells, is now available 
in many markets in powder 
and ready-to-drink.

Gerber Powerblend
This new formulation is 
the first infant cereal with 
a blend of whole grain 
gluten-free oats, pulses, 
veggies and fruits, as well as 
probiotics, to nourish baby’s 
brain and body.

NAN SUPREMEpro
The latest 5HMO innovation 
in infant formula is not only 
leading in nutrition but also 
protecting the environment 
with new bio-based lids 
and scoops made from 
renewable plant material.

At a glance

13.2

Sales (in CHF billion)

34

17.5%

UTOP margin

15.1%

Percentage of Nestlé’s sales

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Enhancing  
health while  
upcycling

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.

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.

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 

In 2021, Nestlé Health Science introduced 
plant-based lids and scoops for its medical 
nutrition brands Althéra, Alfaré, Alfamino, 
Modulen IBD and Peptamen Junior.

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.

OUR VOICES

“Our plant-based innovations 
stand out in meeting the 
stringent nutritional 
requirements of consumers.”

Laurence Vernerey
Global Sustainability 
Manager
Nestlé Health Science
Switzerland

IN FIGURES

1st 

supplement company 
to be certified carbon 
neutral

35

Nestlé Annual Review 2021prepared dishes and cooking aids 
Supporting every  
kind of chef

Our prepared dishes and cooking aids category provides the daily essentials, 
including bouillons, chilled culinary products, and frozen food and pizzas. Iconic 
brands such as Maggi, Stouffer’s and DiGiorno cater to regional and local tastes.

Mezeast
After a successful pilot in the 
Netherlands, this innovative 
new brand launched across 
France, Italy, Spain and 
Switzerland, allowing more 
consumers to cook aromatic 
Middle Eastern food 
at home.

DiGiorno
As delicious as a classic 
pizza, DiGiorno launched a 
breakthrough gluten-free 
crust. Unlike other gluten-
free crusts that are thin, this 
one is hand-tossed, thick 
and bready.

Maggi
Fueled by engaging 
communications alongside 
a female empowerment 
campaign, Maggi CukupRasa 
all-in-one seasoning in 
Malaysia is experiencing 
strong consumer interest.

Sweet Earth
Three new delicious Mindful 
Chik’n flavors launched in 
the U.S. market, meeting 
customer demand for 
a wide variety of plant-
based products that can 
be substituted for animal-
based analogs.

At a glance

12.1

Sales (in CHF billion)

36

16.8%

UTOP margin

13.9%

Percentage of Nestlé’s sales

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Growing the 
plant-based 
food portfolio

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 

Among the plant-based options launched 
in 2021 are DiGiorno pizza with Sweet Earth 
Awesome Grounds, Wagner Rustipani flatbread 
with vegetarian filet and Maggi Veg Atta 
spinach noodles.

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.

OUR VOICES

“We innovate the most delicious 
and nutritious plant-based 
food so more people fall in love 
with its goodness.”

IN FIGURES

Anita Reese
Category Lead Plant-
Based Meal Solutions
Nestlé R&D 
United States

16.8%

growth in plant-
based food products 
in 2021

37

Nestlé Annual Review 2021milk products and ice cream 
Offering options  
for everyone

Our milk products business delivers nutritional products for all stages of life, 
ambient dairy, plant-based alternatives and coffee creamers. Our ice cream 
business offers a variety of special treats. 

Coffee mate
Coffee mate natural bliss 
has extended further into 
the plant-based creamer 
category with new flavors, 
including Brown Sugar Oat 
Milk, which are not only 
delicious but also all natural.

EveryDay
This new single-serve dairy-
based beverage is affordably 
priced to help lower-income 
families in Kenya address 
nutritional deficiencies and 
support immunity with iron, 
zinc and vitamins. 

Häagen-Dazs
Three delicious new flavors 
in the Divine collection 
offer the same irresistible 
creaminess that Häagen-
Dazs fans know and love 
with 50% less fat, 25% less 
sugar and fewer than 200 
calories per serving.

Ninho Forti+
Ninho Forti+ provides 
essential micronutrients 
and fiber for school-
aged children, positively 
impacting 30 million children 
in Brazil in 2021. 

At a glance

10.7

Sales (in CHF billion)

38

25.3%

UTOP margin

12.3%

Percentage of Nestlé’s sales

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Promoting 
healthy aging

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 

In Brazil, Molico offers a complete range of 
adult nutrition solutions addressing health 
concerns from digestion to heart and bone 
health. In 2021, smaller affordable formats  
were launched.

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.

Yiyang senior nutrition, launched in 2002, has 
grown by a factor of 13 over the past 13 years. 
Two new super premium formulations recently 
joined the collection: Yiyang Mobility in 2020 
and Yiyang Immunity in 2021.

OUR VOICES

“We have heard from many 
seniors who prefer Yiyang 
Mobility milk powder drink 
over glucosamine pills.”

Xiaopei Shen
Marketing Manager  
of Dairy
Nestlé China

39

Nestlé Annual Review 2021confectionery 
Providing that 
singular delight

Our confectionery business includes the iconic KitKat brand and a portfolio 
of much loved regional and local brands. The business innovates to create 
premium chocolate products and nutritious snacks.

Fitness
This wholegrain cereal-
based range is resonating 
strongly with consumers 
in Israel by delivering great 
tasting cookies, crackers 
and crisps.

Smarties
Smarties achieved the 
milestone of removing all 
plastic packaging from its 
range, the first and only 
global chocolate brand to be 
wrapped entirely in paper.

Shark wafer 
Continuing to build on the 
success of the brand in 
China, the recently launched 
Shark Nuts version with an 
indulgent chocolate and 
nuts coating has had an 
excellent year.

Nestlé tablets
The two leading brands in 
Brazil, Nestlé with its milky 
chocolate and Garoto with 
its strong cocoa flavor, are 
experiencing increased 
interest from consumers.

At a glance

7.5

Sales (in CHF billion)

40

16.0%

UTOP margin

8.6%

Percentage of Nestlé’s sales

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Innovating  
chocolate 
for emerging  
trends

After much anticipation (and many 
requests on social media) Nestlé is 
now making plant-based dreams 
come true with the launch of KitKat V, 
the vegan version of the iconic KitKat. 
KitKat V offers the same perfect 
balance between crispy wafer and 
smooth chocolate that people know 
and love.

Innovation at Nestlé – whether with a 
new brand or novel formulation of an 
existing brand – is frequently driven by 

IN FIGURES

50.6% 

sustainable cocoa in 
confectionery at end 
of 2021 (100% target 
for 2025)

an evolution in customer preferences. 
More people are seeking out plant-
based alternatives in their diets but 
still want to indulge in their beloved 
KitKat. Our chocolate scientists were 
able to make that happen.

KitKat V was developed at the original 
home of KitKat: Nestlé’s Confectionery 
Research and Development Center in 
York, United Kingdom. By combining 
Nestlé’s expertise in chocolate 
innovation and non-dairy alternatives, 
our experts managed to perfectly 
blend the smooth chocolate with a 
rice-based alternative, resulting in 
the great-tasting, no compromise, 
certified vegan KitKat V.

KitKat V is made from 100% certified 
or verified cocoa sourced through 
the Nestlé Cocoa Plan, in partnership 
with the Rainforest Alliance, for better 
farming, better lives and better cocoa.

In 2021, KitKat V landed on shelves in 
Australia, Brazil, several EU countries, 
New Zealand and the United 
Kingdom. Other countries will follow 
in 2022.

Les Recettes de l’Atelier Incoa is 100% cocoa 
fruit, naturally sweetened by cocoa pulp. This 
proprietary innovation rolled out in 2021 offers 
dark chocolate lovers an authentic, pure cocoa 
experience.

OUR VOICES

"We used our expertise in 
ingredients together with a test-
and-learn approach to create 
a delicious vegan alternative."

Louise Barrett
Head of Nestlé 
Confectionery Product 
Technology Center
United Kingdom

41

Nestlé Annual Review 2021water

Satisfying thirst  
and more

Our water business is dedicated to providing healthy hydration, enhancing quality 
of life and contributing to a sustainable future. The strategic focus is on international 
premium and mineral water brands as well as healthy hydration products.

Perrier Energize
The effervescent spirit 
of Perrier mineral water 
powered with plant-based 
caffeine from organic 
green coffee and yerba 
mate extracts provides 
a low-calorie boost of 
energy in three delicious 
natural flavors.

At a glance

4.0

Sales (in CHF billion)

42

S.Pellegrino Immersive
This special luxury bottle has 
a QR code to bring water 
to life through augmented 
reality, allowing consumers 
to share fine dining 
experiences while tagging 
their favorite restaurant 
(#supportrestaurant). 

La Vie limited edition
Artwork design reflecting the 
unique beauty of Vietnam’s 
100 natural wonders 
adorns La Vie water bottles, 
created in cooperation 
with the Vietnam National 
Administration of Tourism.

Immunity Water
Nestlé Pure Life and local 
Nestlé Waters brands 
Levissima, Naleczowianka 
and Henniez are now 
offering a natural water-
based beverage enhanced 
with zinc to hydrate and 
build immunity.

9.0%

UTOP margin

4.6%

Percentage of Nestlé’s sales

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Meeting  
demand for  
functional  
water

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.

OUR VOICES

“2021 has been an incredible 
year for growth and innovation 
at Essentia. We have a bright 
future ahead.”

Zola Kane
Chief Marketing 
Officer
Essentia
United States

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.

In 2021, Essentia launched a new 2 gallon  
(7.57 liter) bag-in-box format with recycled  
and recyclable corrugate and 80% less plastic 
than bottles.

Meeting the demand for functional water in 
Italy is the Levissima+ range, offering four 
variants of Italian mineral water infused with 
minerals or vitamins.

43

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Financial review

44

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Key figures (consolidated)

In millions of CHF (except for data per share and employees)

Results 
Sales 
Underlying trading operating profit (a) 
as % of sales 
Trading operating profit (a) 
as % of sales 

Profit for the year attributable to shareholders of the parent (Net profit)
as % of sales 

Balance sheet and Cash flow statement
Total Equity
Net financial debt (a)

Ratio of net financial debt to total equity (gearing)
Operating cash flow 

as % of net financial debt
Free cash flow (a)

Capital additions 
as % of sales 

Data per share
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (in millions of units)

Basic earnings per share 
Underlying earnings per share (a)

Dividend as proposed by the Board of Directors of Nestlé S.A.

Market capitalization, end December

Number of employees (in thousands)

2020

2021

84 343 

14 903 

17.7%

 87 088 

 15 119 

17.4%

14 233 

 12 159 

16.9%

14.0%

12 232 

 16 905 

14.5%

19.4%

46 514 

31 319 

67.3%

 53 727 

 32 917 

61.3%

14 377 

 13 864 

45.9%

10 245 

11 367 

13.5%

42.1%

 8 715 

 12 977 

14.9%

 2 845 

 2 788 

CHF

CHF

CHF

4.30

4.21

2.75

6.06

4.42

2.80

 293 644 

 351 682 

 273 

 276 

Principal key figures (b) (illustrative) in CHF, USD, EUR

In millions (except for data per share)

Total CHF

Total CHF

Total USD Total USD Total EUR

Total EUR

Sales
Underlying trading operating profit (a)
Trading operating profit (a)

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

 84 343 

 87 088 

 89 982 

 95 212 

 78 801 

 80 564 

 14 903 

 15 119 

 15 900 

 16 530 

 13 924 

 13 987 

 14 233 

 12 159 

 15 185 

 13 293 

 13 298 

 11 248 

Profit for the year attributable to shareholders of the parent (Net profit)

 12 232 

 16 905 

 13 050 

 18 481 

 11 428 

 15 638 

Total Equity

 46 514 

 53 727 

 52 806 

 58 747 

 42 939 

 51 961 

Market capitalization, end December

 293 644 

 351 682 

 333 364 

 384 542 

 271 072 

 340 122 

Data per share

Basic earnings per share 

4.30

6.06

4.59

6.63

4.02

5.61

(a) 

 Certain financial performance measures are not defined by IFRS. For further details, see Foreword on page 46.

(b) 

 Income statement figures translated at weighted average annual rate; Balance sheet figures at year-end rate.

45

Nestlé Annual Review 2021 
Group overview

Foreword
The Financial review contains certain financial performance 
measures, that are not defined by IFRS, that are used 
by management to assess the financial and operational 
performance of the Group. They include among others:

 – Organic growth, Real internal growth  

and Pricing;

 – Underlying trading operating profit margin  

and Trading operating profit margin;

 – Net financial debt;
 – Free cash flow; and
 – Underlying earnings per share (EPS) and EPS  

in constant currency.

Management believes that these non-IFRS financial 
performance measures provide useful information regarding 
the Group’s financial and operating performance.

The Alternative Performance Measures document published 
under www.nestle.com/investors/publications defines these 
non-IFRS financial performance measures.

Operating segments 2020 comparative figures have been 
restated following the disclosure of Nestlé Health Science 
and Nespresso as standalone reportable segments from 
2021 onwards (previously combined and presented in 
Other businesses – see Note 3 of the 2021 Consolidated 
financial statements).

46

Introduction
In 2021, we remained focused on executing our long-term 
strategy and stepping up growth investments, while at the 
same time navigating global supply chain challenges. Our 
organic growth was strong, with broad-based market share 
gains, following disciplined execution, rapid innovation 
and increased digitalization. We limited the impact of 
exceptional cost inflation through diligent cost management 
and responsible pricing. Our robust underlying earnings 
per share growth shows the resilience of our value creation 
model. The entire Nestlé team demonstrated exemplary 
perseverance and agility in a challenging environment.

The evolution of our portfolio continued, focusing on 
categories with attractive growth opportunities and 
differentiated offerings. Recent examples include the 
acquisition of the core brands of The Bountiful Company 
and the divestiture of the mainstream water brands in 
North America.

Our sustainability agenda further progressed as we enhance 
the well-being of our consumers, help regenerate the 
environment and strengthen the farming communities in our 
supply chains.

We continued to create value for our shareholders through 
disciplined capital allocation, steadily increasing dividends 
and significant share buybacks. Going forward, we are 
confident in the strength of our value creation model.

Group sales
Organic growth was 7.5%, with RIG of 5.5%. Pricing 
increased to 2.0%, reaching 3.1% in the fourth quarter, to 
offset significant cost inflation. 

Growth was broad-based across most geographies and 
categories. Organic growth reached 7.2% in developed 
markets, the highest level in more than a decade, based 
mostly on RIG with positive pricing. Organic growth 
in emerging markets was 7.8%, with robust RIG and 
positive pricing.

By product category, the largest contributor to organic 
growth was coffee, fueled by strong momentum for the three 
main brands Nescafé, Nespresso and Starbucks. Sales of 
Starbucks products grew by 17.1% to reach CHF 3.1 billion, 
generating over CHF 1 billion of incremental sales compared 
with 2018. Purina PetCare posted double-digit growth, led 

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Sales by geographic areas

By principal markets

United States

Greater China Region

France

United Kingdom

Mexico

Brazil

Philippines

Germany

Canada

India

Russia

Japan

Italy

Spain

Australia

Switzerland

Rest of the world 

Total

(a)   Not applicable.

Differences 2021/2020 (in %)

in CHF

+ 0.9%

– 7.1%

– 3.6%

in local 
currency

+ 3.4%

– 9.9%

– 4.6%

+ 18.1%

+ 12.9%

+ 6.1%

+ 5.6%

+ 3.6%

– 0.1%

+ 12.0%

+ 8.0%

+ 7.1%

+ 4.7%

+ 7.7%

+ 5.9%

+ 6.4%

+ 0.3%

+ 5.6%

+ 3.3%

+ 3.5%

+ 13.0%

+ 5.7%

– 1.1%

+ 7.1%

+ 10.8%

+ 11.3%

+ 10.5%

+ 6.7%

+ 4.9%

+ 0.2%

+ 0.3%
(a)

(a)

in CHF 
millions

2021

26 260 

5 558 

3 804 

3 405 

2 962 

2 925 

2 656 

2 442 

2 376 

1 737 

1 719 

1 627 

1 625 

1 492 

1 484 

1 137 

23 879 

87 088 

by science-based and premium brands Purina Pro Plan, 
Fancy Feast and Purina ONE, as well as veterinary products. 
Prepared dishes and cooking aids reported high single-digit 
growth, based on strong sales developments for Maggi, 
Stouffer’s and Lean Cuisine. Sales in vegetarian and plant-
based food grew at a double-digit rate, reaching around 
CHF 800 million. Nestlé Health Science recorded double-
digit growth, reflecting strong demand for vitamins, minerals 
and supplements, as well as healthy-aging products. Dairy 
saw mid single-digit growth, based on strong demand 
for premium and fortified milks, coffee creamers and 
ice cream. Sales in confectionery grew at a high single-
digit rate, supported by a strong sales development for 
KitKat and gifting products. Water posted high single-
digit growth, driven by premium brands and a recovery in 
out-of-home channels. Infant Nutrition reported negative 
growth, impacted by a sales decline in China and lower 
birth rates globally. Sales of human milk oligosaccharides 
(HMOs) products continued to see robust growth, reaching 
CHF 1.2 billion.

By channel, organic growth in retail sales was 6.4%. 
E-commerce sales grew by 15.1%, reaching 14.3% of total 
Group sales, with strong momentum in most categories, 
particularly Purina PetCare, coffee and Nestlé Health 
Science. Organic growth in out-of-home channels reached 
24.5%, helped by a low base of comparison due to 
the pandemic.

Net divestitures decreased sales by 2.9%, largely 
related to the Nestlé Waters North America, Yinlu and 
Herta transactions. Divestitures were partially offset by 
acquisitions, including the core brands of The Bountiful 
Company and Freshly. The negative impact on sales from 
foreign exchange moderated to 1.3%. Total reported sales 
increased by 3.3% to CHF 87.1 billion. 

47

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Underlying trading operating profit and Trading operating profit

In millions of CHF 

In % of sales

14 903

15 119

14 233

17.7%

17.4%

16.9%

12 159

14.0%

2020

2021

2020

2021

  Underlying trading operating profit
  Trading operating profit

Underlying trading operating 
profit by operating segment

Trading operating profit
by operating segment

In % of sales

In % of sales

%
0
3
2

.

%
8
.
1
2

%
8
0
2

.

%
5
8
1

.

%
6
3
1

.

%
5
9
1

.

%
9
.
7
1

%
7
.
2
2

%
9
.
1
1

%
0
3
1

.

  Zone AMS
  Zone EMENA
  Zone AOA
  Nespresso
  Nestlé Health Science

Underlying trading operating profit
Underlying trading operating profit increased by 1.4% to 
CHF 15.1 billion. The underlying trading operating profit 
margin decreased by 30 basis points to 17.4% in constant 
currency and on a reported basis, reflecting time delays 
between cost inflation and pricing actions. The one-off 
integration costs related to the acquisition of The Bountiful 
Company’s core brands had a negative impact of around 
10 basis points.

Gross margin decreased by 130 basis points to 47.8%, 
reflecting significant broad-based inflation for commodity, 
packaging, freight and energy costs. The impact of cost 
inflation, which increased strongly in the second half, 
was partly offset by price increases, operating leverage 
and efficiencies.

Distribution costs as a percentage of sales decreased by 
20 basis points, mainly as a result of the disposal of the 
Nestlé Water brands in North America. 

Marketing and administration expenses decreased as a 
percentage of sales by 80 basis points, based on strong 
operating leverage and efficiencies. At the same time, the 
Group continued to invest for growth and increased its 
consumer-facing marketing expenses in constant currency.

Restructuring expenses and net other trading items 
increased by CHF 2.3 billion to CHF 3.0 billion, largely 
reflecting impairments related to the Wyeth business. As 
a result, trading operating profit decreased by 14.6% to 
CHF 12.2 billion and the trading operating profit margin 
decreased by 290 basis points on a reported basis to 14.0%.

Net financial expenses and Income tax
Net financial expenses were unchanged at CHF 873 million, 
as a lower cost of debt offset higher average net debt. 

The Group reported tax rate decreased by 330 basis points 
to 20.9%, mainly as a result of one-off items in 2020, 
including the divestment of the U.S. ice cream business. The 
underlying tax rate decreased by 40 basis points to 20.7%, 
mainly due to the geographic and business mix.

48

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Reduction of L’Oréal stake 
On December 15, 2021, Nestlé sold 22.26 million of L’Oréal 
shares for a total consideration of CHF 9.3 billion. Following 
the transaction, Nestlé owns 20.1% of L’Oréal and remains 
fully supportive of the company’s value creation strategy. 

Net profit and Earnings per share
Net profit grew by 38.2% to CHF 16.9 billion. Net profit 
margin increased by 490 basis points to 19.4%. The gain on 
the disposal of L’Oréal shares more than offset higher asset 
impairments and other one-off items. 

Underlying earnings per share increased by 5.8% in constant 
currency and by 5.1% on a reported basis to CHF 4.42. 
Sales growth was the main contributor to the increase. 
Nestlé’s share buyback program contributed 1.3% to the 
underlying earnings per share increase, net of finance costs. 
Earnings per share increased by 41.1% to CHF 6.06 on a 
reported basis.

Cash flow
Cash generated from operations decreased from 
CHF 17.2 billion to CHF 16.6 billion, mainly due to slightly 
higher working capital at year-end. In the context of 
significant supply chain disruptions, the Group increased its 
inventory levels temporarily. Free cash flow decreased from 
CHF 10.2 billion to CHF 8.7 billion, mainly due to a temporary 
increase in capital expenditure to meet strong volume 
demand, particularly for Purina PetCare and coffee.

Evolution of the Nestlé S.A. share in 2021

In CHF

127.50

120.00

112.50

105.00

97.50

22.5%

15.0%

7.5%

0.0%

–7.5%

| 

| 

| 

| 

| 

| 

| 

| 

| 

| 

| 

|

J  F  M  A  M  J 

J  A  S  O  N  D

  Nestlé S.A. share
  Nestlé relative to Swiss Market Index

Earnings per share

in CHF

6.06

Operating cash flow

in billions of CHF

4.30

14.4

13.9

2020

2021

2020

2021

Share capital by investor type, long-term evolution (a)

100% 

75% 

50% 

25% 

0% 

Institutions 

80%

Private  
Shareholders 

20%

2005

2009

2013

2017

2021

(a) 

 Percentage derived from total number of registered shares. 
Registered shares represent 56.8% of the total share capital. 
Statistics are rounded, as at 12/31/2021.

49

Nestlé Annual Review 2021 
 
Dividend per share

in CHF

2.70

2.75

2.80

2.45

2.35

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

Dividend
At the Annual General Meeting on April 7, 2022, the Board 
of Directors will propose a dividend of CHF 2.80 per share, 
an increase of 5 centimes. If approved, this will be the 
company’s 27th consecutive annual dividend increase. 
The company has maintained or increased its dividend in 
Swiss francs over the last 62 years. Nestlé is committed to 
maintaining this long-held practice to increase the dividend 
in Swiss francs every year.

The last trading day with entitlement to receive the dividend 
will be April 8, 2022. The net dividend will be payable as 
from April 13, 2022.

Shareholders entered in the share register with voting rights 
on March 31, 2022 at 12:00 noon (CEST) will be entitled to 
exercise their voting rights.

Share buyback programs
During 2021, the Group repurchased CHF 6.3 billion of 
Nestlé shares. 

On December 30, 2021, Nestlé terminated its existing 
CHF 20 billion share buyback program initiated on January 3, 
2020. Between January 3, 2020 and December 30, 2021, 
the Group repurchased 123.1 million of its shares for a total 
consideration of CHF 13.1 billion at an average price of 
CHF 106.08 per share.

Nestlé initiated a new share buyback program of up to 
CHF 20 billion on January 3, 2022. The company expects 
to buy around CHF 10 billion of shares in the first twelve 
months. The new share buyback program shall be 
completed by the end of December 2024.

Net debt
Net debt increased by CHF 1.6 billion to reach 
CHF 32.9 billion as at December 31, 2021. The dividend 
payment, share buybacks and the net cash outflow from 
acquisitions and divestitures more than offset proceeds from 
the disposal of L’Oréal shares and free cash flow generation.

50

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Building on the successful global coffee alliance, Nestlé 
continues to expand the reach of Starbucks branded coffee 
and tea products outside Starbucks retail stores. In July, 
Nestlé and Starbucks announced a new collaboration to 
bring Starbucks ready-to-drink coffee beverages to select 
markets across South-East Asia, Oceania and Latin America.

Outlook
2022 outlook: we expect organic sales growth around 5% 
and underlying trading operating profit margin between 
17.0% and 17.5%. Underlying earnings per share in constant 
currency and capital efficiency are expected to increase.

Mid-term outlook: sustained mid single-digit organic sales 
growth. Continued moderate underlying trading operating 
profit margin improvements. Continued prudent capital 
allocation and capital efficiency improvements.

Return on invested capital (ROIC)
The Group’s ROIC decreased by 250 basis points to 12.2%, as a 
result of impairments related to the Wyeth business. Excluding 
Wyeth business impairments, the Group’s ROIC was 14.2%.

Portfolio management
Nestlé completed acquisitions and divestments with a total 
value of around CHF 9.9 billion in 2021.

Nestlé is transforming its global water business, sharpening 
its focus on international premium and mineral water brands 
and healthy hydration products. In March, Nestlé completed 
the acquisition of Essentia Water, a premium functional 
water brand in the U.S., and the sale of its regional spring 
water brands, purified water business and beverage delivery 
service in the U.S. and Canada.

Nestlé Health Science continues to focus on building the 
leading global nutrition and health platform. In July, Nestlé 
completed the acquisition of Nuun, a leading company in 
the fast-growing functional hydration market, and entered 
into an agreement with Seres Therapeutics to jointly 
commercialize SER-109, an investigational oral microbiome 
therapeutic in the U.S. and Canada. In August, Nestlé 
completed the acquisition of the core brands of The Bountiful 
Company for USD 5.75 billion. The Bountiful Company is 
the number one pure-play company in the highly attractive 
global nutrition and supplement category. 

Sales, employees and factories by geographic area

AMS
EMENA (a)

AOA

(a)  8494 employees in Switzerland in 2021.

Sales

Employees

Factories

2020

44.7%

29.1%

26.2%

2021

44.9%

29.6%

25.5%

2020

35.8%

35.5%

28.7%

2021

36.4%

35.1%

28.5%

2020

 146 

 133 

 97 

2021

 125 

 133 

 96 

Employees by activity

In thousands

Factories 

Administration and sales

Total

2020

134

139

273

2021

140   

136   

276 

51

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Product category and operating segment review

In millions of CHF

Powdered and Liquid Beverages
Soluble coffee/coffee systems **

Other **

Total sales

Underlying trading operating profit 

Trading operating profit 

Water
Total sales

Underlying trading operating profit 

Trading operating profit 

Milk products and Ice cream
Milk products

Ice cream

Total sales

Underlying trading operating profit 

Trading operating profit 

Nutrition and Health Science
Total sales

Underlying trading operating profit 

Trading operating profit 

Prepared dishes and cooking aids
Frozen and chilled

Culinary and other

Total sales

Underlying trading operating profit 

Trading operating profit 

Confectionery
Chocolate

Sugar confectionery

Snacking and biscuits

Total sales

Underlying trading operating profit 

Trading operating profit 

PetCare
Total sales

Underlying trading operating profit 

Trading operating profit 

2020 *

2021

Proportion of total sales (%)

RIG (%)

OG (%)

15 842 

17 120

6 414 

6 855

22 256 

23 975 

5 035 

4 851 

5 631 

5 406 

6 421 

4 040 

639 

522 

364 

257 

10 087 

920 

9 778 

922 

11 007 

10 700 

2 652 

2 615 

2 707 

2 642 

12 160 

13 157 

2 640 

2 490 

2 307 

243 

5 694 

5 829 

5 871 

6 275 

11 523 

12 146 

2 171 

2 147 

2 040 

1 931 

5 265 

585 

1 125 

6 975 

990 

874 

5 716 

651 

1 147 

7 514 

1 205 

1 093 

14 001 

15 556 

3 081 

3 089 

3 282 

3 241 

71.4%

28.6%

23.5%

22.5%

9.0%

6.4%

91.4%

8.6%

25.3%

24.7%

17.5%

1.8%

48.3%

51.7%

16.8%

15.9%

76.1%

8.6%

15.3%

16.0%

14.5%

21.1%

20.8%

+ 7.8%

+ 8.9%

+ 3.0%

+ 6.8%

+ 3.0%

+ 5.9%

+ 0.4%

+ 1.4%

+ 4.6%

+ 6.6%

+ 6.3%

+ 7.9%

+ 9.4%

+ 12.7%

 2020 comparatives adjusted, see Foreword on page 46.

* 
**  2020 comparatives adjusted following a new product grouping between Soluble coffee/coffee systems and Other.

52

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Review of Zones, Nespresso  
and Nestlé Health Science

Zone Americas (AMS)

Sales

Organic growth

Real internal growth

Underlying trading operating profit margin

CHF 33.8 billion

+ 8.5%

+ 4.8%

20.8%

Underlying trading operating profit margin

+ 30 basis points

Trading operating profit margin

Trading operating profit margin

19.5%

– 30 basis points

 – 8.5% organic growth: 4.8% RIG; 3.7% pricing. 
 – North America posted high single-digit organic growth, 

with robust RIG and positive pricing.

 – Latin America reported double-digit organic growth,  

with both strong RIG and pricing.

 – The underlying trading operating profit margin increased 
by 30 basis points to 20.8%, mainly due to the divestment 
of the Nestlé Waters North America brands.

Organic growth was 8.5%, with strong RIG of 4.8%. Pricing 
increased to 3.7%, reaching 5.2% in the fourth quarter. Net 
divestitures reduced sales by 6.6%, as the divestment of the 
Nestlé Waters North America brands more than offset the 
acquisitions of Freshly and Essentia Water. Foreign exchange 
had a negative impact of 2.5%. Reported sales in Zone AMS 
decreased by 0.7% to CHF 33.8 billion. 

Zone AMS reported high single-digit organic growth, 
building on a strong sales development in 2020. Increased 
pricing, continued innovation, strong momentum in 
e-commerce and a further recovery of out-of-home channels 
supported growth. The Zone saw continued broad-based 
market share gains, led by coffee, pet food, frozen food and 
ambient culinary. 

North America posted high single-digit growth in the 
context of continued significant supply chain constraints. 
Sales in Purina PetCare grew at a double-digit rate, led by 
Purina Pro Plan, Fancy Feast and Purina ONE. Scienced-
based innovations continued to support growth, with new 
launches including Pro Plan Cardio Care and new varieties of 
Sensitive Skin & Stomach formula. Nestlé Professional and 
Starbucks out-of-home products saw strong double-digit 
growth, helped by further recovery in out-of-home channels. 
Sales in the beverages category, including Starbucks at-
home products, Coffee mate and Nescafé, grew at a mid 
single-digit rate. Frozen and chilled food reported mid 
single-digit growth, supported by strong sales developments 
for Stouffer’s, Lean Cuisine and Hot Pockets. Pizza saw a 
sales decrease following a high base of comparison in 2020, 
with a return to positive growth in the fourth quarter. Water 
reported mid single-digit growth, led by strong growth 
for the recently acquired Essentia Water business. Sales 

Zone AMS 

In millions of CHF

United States and Canada

Latin America and Caribbean

Powdered and Liquid Beverages

Water

Milk products and Ice cream

Prepared dishes and cooking aids

Confectionery

PetCare

Nutrition and Health Science

Total sales

Underlying trading operating profit 

Trading operating profit 

Capital additions

2020

24 763 

9 247 

5 032 

4 049 

5 288 

5 381 

2 177 

9 543 

2 540 

2021

23 693 

10 086 

5 382 

1 788 

5 391 

5 930 

2 357 

10 445 

2 486 

34 010 

33 779 

6 975 

6 724 

3 562 

7 012 

6 601 

3 006 

Proportion of total sales (%)

RIG (%)

OG (%)

70.1%

29.9%

15.9%

5.3%

16.0%

17.5%

7.0%

30.9%

7.4%

20.8%

19.5%

8.9%

+ 4.8%

+ 8.5%

53

Nestlé Annual Review 2021in confectionery in Canada grew by close to 10%, driven 
by KitKat. Home-baking products, including Toll House 
and Carnation, saw a sales decrease following exceptional 
demand in 2020 but remained above 2019 levels.

Latin America posted double-digit growth, with broad-based 
contributions across geographies and product categories. 
Sales in Mexico grew at a double-digit rate, led by coffee, 
Purina PetCare and confectionery. Brazil reported double-
digit growth, reflecting strong demand for confectionery, 
particularly KitKat, as well as Purina PetCare and Nescafé. 
Chile also recorded double-digit growth, supported by 
Purina PetCare, confectionery and ice cream. By product 
category, Purina PetCare was the largest growth contributor, 
led by Purina Pro Plan and Dog Chow. Confectionery and 
coffee also reported strong double-digit growth. Sales 
in Nestlé Professional exceeded 2019 levels, with strong 
growth across markets. Infant Nutrition saw mid single-
digit growth, based on robust demand for NAN premium 
and functional products. Growth in dairy moderated to a 
low single-digit rate, following exceptionally strong demand 
in 2020. Plant-based products continued to grow strongly, 
supported by the expansion of Nature’s Heart across 
all markets.

The Zone’s underlying trading operating profit margin 
increased by 30 basis points, with the positive margin impact 
of the Nestlé Waters North America brands divestment more 
than offsetting significant cost inflation.

Zone Europe, Middle East and North Africa (EMENA)

Sales

Organic growth

Real internal growth

Underlying trading operating profit margin

CHF 21.1 billion

+ 7.2%

+ 6.0%

18.5%

Underlying trading operating profit margin

– 10 basis points

Trading operating profit margin

Trading operating profit margin

17.9%

+ 20 basis points

 – 7.2% organic growth: 6.0% RIG; 1.2% pricing.
 – Western Europe saw mid single-digit organic growth  

with strong RIG and slightly positive pricing.

 – Central and Eastern Europe posted double-digit organic 

growth, with strong RIG and positive pricing.

 – Middle East, North Africa, Turkey and Israel reported  
high single-digit organic growth, with a balanced 
contribution from RIG and pricing.

 – The underlying trading operating profit margin decreased 

by 10 basis points to 18.5%.

Organic growth reached 7.2%, with strong RIG of 6.0% 
supported by volume and mix. Pricing increased by 1.2%, 
with 2.5% pricing in the fourth quarter. Net divestitures 
reduced sales by 2.2%, largely related to the divestiture 
of the Herta charcuterie business, partly offset by the 
acquisitions of Mindful Chef and Lily’s Kitchen. Foreign 
exchange negatively impacted sales by 0.6%. Reported sales 
in Zone EMENA increased by 4.5% to CHF 21.1 billion.

Zone EMENA reported high single-digit organic growth, 
reaching the highest level in the last decade. Growth was 
supported by continued evolution of the portfolio toward 
fast-growing categories and channels, as well as innovation. 
All markets posted positive growth, with strong sales 
developments led by the United Kingdom, Russia, Italy and 
France. The Zone continued to see broad-based market 
share gains, particularly for pet food, coffee, ambient and 
chilled culinary.

By product category, Purina PetCare posted double-digit 
growth led by premium brands Gourmet, Felix and Purina 
Pro Plan, as well as veterinary products. Growth was strong 
across all channels, particularly in e-commerce and pet 
specialty stores. Sales in new growth platforms Tails.com, 
Lily’s Kitchen and Terra Canis combined increased by close 
to 40%. Sales in coffee grew at a high single-digit rate, 
supported by strong momentum for Nescafé and Starbucks 

54

Nestlé Annual Review 2021at-home products. Nestlé Professional reported strong 
double-digit growth, helped by further recovery in out-of-
home channels, with particular strength in coffee. Water 
posted high single-digit growth, led by S.Pellegrino as well 
as Nestlé Pure Life in the Middle East and North Africa. 
Sales in confectionery grew at a mid single-digit rate, led 
by KitKat. Culinary reported low single-digit growth, with a 
high base of comparison for Maggi. Sales in Garden Gourmet 
and Mindful Chef continued to grow at a double-digit rate. 
Garden Gourmet Vuna, the recently launched plant-based 
tuna alternative, saw strong demand. Infant Nutrition posted 
positive growth, with continued market share gains, despite 
lower birth rates in the context of the pandemic.

The Zone’s underlying trading operating profit margin 
decreased by 10 basis points. Cost inflation and increased 
growth investments more than offset operating leverage and 
product mix.

Zone EMENA 

In millions of CHF

Western Europe

Eastern and Central Europe

Middle East and North Africa

Powdered and Liquid Beverages

Water

Milk products and Ice cream

Prepared dishes and cooking aids

Confectionery

PetCare

Nutrition and Health Science

Total sales

Underlying trading operating profit 

Trading operating profit 

Capital additions

2020

2021

12 909 

13 532 

3 547 

3 770 

5 239 

1 967 

849 

3 473 

3 038 

3 786 

1 874 

3 858 

3 738 

5 706 

1 982 

772 

3 242 

3 222 

4 363 

1 841 

20 226 

21 128 

3 766 

3 575 

1 432 

3 903 

3 772 

1 537 

Proportion of total sales (%)

RIG (%)

OG (%)

64.0%

18.3%

17.7%

27.0%

9.4%

3.7%

15.3%

15.2%

20.7%

8.7%

18.5%

17.9%

7.3%

+ 6.0%

+ 7.2%

55

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Zone Asia, Oceania and sub-Saharan Africa (AOA)

Sales

Organic growth

Real internal growth

Underlying trading operating profit margin

CHF 20.7 billion

+ 4.2%

+ 3.5%

21.8%

Underlying trading operating profit margin

– 40 basis points

Trading operating profit margin

Trading operating profit margin

11.9%

– 960 basis points

Organic growth was 4.2%, with RIG of 3.5%. Pricing 
was 0.8%, increasing to 2.2% in the fourth quarter. Net 
divestitures had a negative impact of 3.9%, largely related 
to the divestment of the Yinlu peanut milk and canned rice 
porridge businesses in China. Foreign exchange reduced 
sales by 0.4%. Reported sales in Zone AOA were unchanged 
at CHF 20.7 billion. 

 – 4.2% organic growth: 3.5% RIG; 0.8% pricing.
 – China posted low single-digit organic growth, based on 

positive RIG and slightly positive pricing. 

 – South-East Asia saw positive organic growth, with 

positive RIG and slightly negative pricing.

 – South Asia reported double-digit organic growth, with 

strong RIG and positive pricing.

 – Sub-Saharan Africa recorded double-digit organic 
growth, led by strong RIG with positive pricing. 

 – Japan, South Korea and Oceania saw mid single-digit 

organic growth. Strong RIG was partially offset by slightly 
negative pricing. 

 – The underlying trading operating profit margin decreased 

by 40 basis points to 21.8%.

Zone AOA reported mid single-digit organic growth in a 
difficult economic environment with continued regional 
lockdowns. The Zone saw market share gains in culinary, 
coffee and pet food. Infant Nutrition reported market 
share losses.

China saw low single-digit growth. Strong sales 
developments in most categories were partly offset by 
a sales decline in Infant Nutrition where turnaround 
initiatives continued. The largest growth contributor was 
Nestlé Professional, with sales exceeding 2019 levels. 
Coffee, culinary and Purina PetCare all reported strong 
double-digit growth. Dairy recorded high single-digit 
growth, with a strong sales development for healthy-aging 
products, particularly Yiyang certified functional foods for 
improved immunity and mobility. Confectionery posted 
mid single-digit growth, led by robust demand for Shark 
wafer chocolate.

Zone AOA

In millions of CHF

ASEAN markets

Oceania and Japan

Other Asian markets

Sub-Saharan Africa

Powdered and Liquid Beverages

Water

Milk products and Ice cream

Prepared dishes and cooking aids

Confectionery

PetCare

Nutrition and Health Science

Total sales

Underlying trading operating profit 

Trading operating profit 

Capital additions

56

2020

7 105 

2 888 

8 394 

2 343 

5 969 

405 

4 862 

2 667 

1 739 

673 

4 415 

2021

6 984 

3 049 

8 073 

2 629 

6 308 

270 

4 524 

2 973 

1 909 

747 

4 004 

20 730 

20 735 

4 599 

4 466 

941 

4 524 

2 477 

1 065 

Proportion of total sales (%)

RIG (%)

OG (%)

33.7%

14.7%

38.9%

12.7%

30.4%

1.3%

21.8%

14.4%

9.2%

3.6%

19.3%

21.8%

11.9%

5.1%

+ 3.5%

+ 4.2%

Nestlé Annual Review 2021South-East Asia saw positive growth, with sales reaching a 
mid single-digit rate in the fourth quarter despite continued 
movement restrictions. Sales in Malaysia grew at a mid 
single-digit rate, with broad-based growth across most 
categories. The Philippines and Indonesia saw negative 
growth, turning positive in the fourth quarter led by 
Nescafé and Bear Brand. Indochina posted positive growth, 
despite a sales decrease in on-the-go products and out-of-
home channels.

South Asia recorded double-digit growth, supported by 
distribution expansion in rural areas and continued strong 
e-commerce momentum. Growth was broad-based across 
most categories in both India and Pakistan, led by Maggi, 
KitKat, Nescafé and Nestlé Professional.

Sub-Saharan Africa recorded double-digit growth, based 
on strong sales developments for Maggi, Milo and Nescafé, 
particularly for affordable offerings.

Japan posted high single-digit growth, led by coffee and 
Purina PetCare. Sales in South Korea grew at a strong 
double-digit rate, driven by coffee. Oceania reported positive 
growth, with robust demand for Purina PetCare, KitKat 
and Maggi.

By product category, the key growth driver was coffee 
driven by new launches for Nescafé and Starbucks products. 
Culinary and Nestlé Professional posted double-digit 
growth. Sales in confectionery, ice cream and Purina PetCare 
grew at a high single-digit rate. Dairy reported mid single-
digit growth, led by strong demand for premium and fortified 
milks. Infant Nutrition saw a sales decline, with positive 
growth outside of China in the second half.

The Zone’s underlying trading operating profit margin 
decreased by 40 basis points. Cost inflation and product mix 
more than offset operating leverage.

57

Nestlé Annual Review 2021The underlying trading operating profit margin of Nespresso 
decreased by 60 basis points. Increased growth investments 
more than offset operating leverage.

Nespresso

Sales

Organic growth

Real internal growth

Underlying trading operating profit margin

CHF 6.4 billion

+ 8.8%

+ 8.2%

23.0%

Underlying trading operating profit margin

– 60 basis points

Trading operating profit margin

Trading operating profit margin

22.7%

– 90 basis points

 – 8.8% organic growth: 8.2% RIG; 0.6% pricing.
 – The underlying trading operating profit margin decreased 

by 60 basis points to 23.0%. 

Organic growth reached 8.8%, based on strong RIG of 8.2% 
and pricing of 0.6%. Foreign exchange positively impacted 
sales by 0.3%. Reported sales in Nespresso increased by 
9.1% to CHF 6.4 billion.

Nespresso posted high single-digit growth, moderating to a 
mid single-digit rate in the second half following a high base 
of comparison in 2020. Growth was fueled by new consumer 
adoption, particularly for the Vertuo system, continued 
momentum in e-commerce and a recovery in boutiques and 
out-of-home channels. Continuous innovation resonated 
strongly with consumers and significant new product 
launches included the expansion of the World Explorations 
and Reviving Origins ranges, as well as strong demand for 
year-end festive offerings.

By geography, the Americas and AOA posted double-digit 
growth. Sales in EMENA grew at a mid single-digit rate. 
Overall Nespresso gained market share, with contributions 
from most markets.

Nespresso (a)

In millions of CHF

Total sales

Underlying trading operating profit 

Trading operating profit 

Capital additions 

(a)   See Foreword on page 46.

58

2020

5 885 

1 392 

1 390 

275 

2021

6 418 

1 475 

1 456 

445 

RIG (%)

+ 8.2%

OG (%)

+ 8.8%

23.0%

22.7%

6.9%

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Nestlé Health Science 

Sales

Organic growth

Real internal growth

Underlying trading operating profit margin

CHF 4.8 billion

+ 13.5%

+ 13.4%

13.6%

Underlying trading operating profit margin

– 290 basis points

Trading operating profit margin

Trading operating profit margin

13.0%

– 300 basis points

 – 13.5% organic growth: 13.4% RIG; 0.1% pricing.
 – The underlying trading operating profit margin decreased 

by 290 basis points to 13.6%.

Organic growth was 13.5%, with strong RIG of 13.4% and 
0.1% pricing. Net acquisitions increased sales by 33.2%, 
largely related to the acquisitions of the core brands of The 
Bountiful Company, Vital Proteins, Zenpep and Aimmune. 
Foreign exchange negatively impacted sales by 1.8%. 
Reported sales in Nestlé Health Science increased by 45.0% 
to CHF 4.8 billion.

Nestlé Health Science posted double-digit organic growth, 
building on a strong sales development in 2020, with broad-
based market share gains across channels and markets. 
Growth was supported by e-commerce momentum, 
innovation, geographic expansion and strong execution in 
the supply chain.

Consumer Care posted double-digit growth. Vitamins, 
minerals and supplements that support health and 
the immune system continued to see strong demand. 
Vital Proteins almost doubled its sales. Garden of Life saw 
continued strength, driven by new product launches such 

Nestlé Health Science (a)

In millions of CHF

Total sales

Underlying trading operating profit 

Trading operating profit 

Capital additions 

(a)   See Foreword on page 46. 

2020

3 326 

2021

4 822 

549 

534 

654 

628 

4 833 

6 594 

as Dr. Formulated MD Protein for improved heart health 
and immunity. Sales for the newly acquired core brands 
of The Bountiful Company grew at a high single-digit rate, 
led by Nature’s Bounty and Solgar. Healthy-aging products 
recorded double-digit growth, supported by Boost in 
North America.

Medical Nutrition reported high single-digit growth, with 
robust demand for pediatric care products Althéra, Alfaré 
and Alfamino, as well as for Compleat, a comprehensive 
nutritional tube-feeding formula. The rollout of Palforzia, the 
peanut allergy treatment, was impacted by the pandemic. 
In the fourth quarter, the product started to see increased 
adoption in the U.S. and was also launched in the United 
Kingdom and Germany.

By geography, the Americas and AOA posted double-digit 
growth. Sales in EMENA grew at a high single-digit rate.

The underlying trading operating profit margin of Nestlé 
Health Science decreased by 290 basis points, mainly due 
to investments in Palforzia, increased consumer-facing 
marketing expenses and one-off integration costs related to 
the acquisition of The Bountiful Company’s core brands.

RIG (%)

OG (%)

+ 13.4%

+ 13.5%

13.6%

13.0%

136.8%

59

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Principal risks and uncertainties

across our markets. The long-term impacts remain difficult 
to predict. The Group assessed the potential impacts of the 
pandemic and its consequences across our risk universe and 
the factors are reported under the relevant risks disclosed 
here. The Group continues to monitor and respond to these 
areas of increased risk for any material changes.

The risks listed below are considered the most relevant 
for our business and performance. Many of the long-term 
mitigation strategies are expanded on in our Creating Shared 
Value and Sustainability Report.

The Group adopts a risk profile aligned to our purpose and 
business strategy. We aim to create long-term value through 
a balance of sustainable growth and resource efficiency. Our 
culture and values - rooted in respect for ourselves, others, 
diversity and the future - guide our decisions and actions. 
Our Creating Shared Value approach helps to prioritize those 
areas that maximize value creation for shareholders and 
cultivate positive societal and environmental impacts.

The Nestlé Group Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) 
framework is designed to assess and mitigate risks in 
order to minimize their potential impact and support the 
achievement of Nestlé’s long-term purpose and business 
strategy. A top-down assessment is performed at Group-
level once a year. A bottom-up assessment occurs in 
parallel, resulting in aggregation of the individual market 
assessments. This creates a good understanding of the 
company’s key risks in order to allocate ownership to drive 
specific actions around them and take any relevant steps to 
address them.

Additionally, Nestlé engages with external stakeholders 
to better understand the issues that are of most concern 
to them. The materiality assessment (www.nestle.com/
materiality) rates the degree of external stakeholder concern 
and potential business impact. This helps to ensure that 
wider sustainability issues are incorporated into the risks and 
opportunities under consideration across the company.

Risk assessments and any mitigating actions are the 
responsibility of the individual line management. If 
Group-level intervention is required, responsibility for 
mitigating actions will generally be determined by the 
Executive Board. The annual Group risk assessment is 
reported annually to the Executive Board, Audit Committee 
and Board of Directors. Further detail of the ERM processes 
can be found in the Corporate Governance Report 2021.

We are committed to transparency and action on climate-
related risks and opportunities. As such, we have aligned 
our reporting disclosures with the recommendations of the 
Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). 
Our TCFD-aligned disclosures, including our analysis 
undertaken in 2021, can be found on www.nestle.com/tcfd-
report.

The COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences continue 
to lead to profound changes on operating environments 

60

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Principal risk 

Description

Potential impact

Key mitigations

Product quality  
and safety

Major event triggered by a serious 
food safety, product quality or other 
product-related non-compliance 
issue

Consumer preferences

Failure to adequately anticipate 
evolving consumer preferences; 
failure to innovate relevant, 
competitive products and brands; 
failure to execute at speed

Discriminatory 
regulation

Prolonged negative perceptions 
concerning health implications 
of processed food and beverage 
categories

Customer and channel 
management

Customer concentration, channel 
dynamics accelerating pressure on 
distribution, pricing and trade

 – Negative effect on Nestlé’s 
reputation and/or brands 

 – Failure to meet evolving regulatory 

 – Policies, processes and controls to 
ensure high-quality, safe products 
and prevention of health risks 

requirements

 – Loss of trust
 – Penalties and/or fines
 – Litigation

 – Negative effect on Nestlé’s 
reputation and/or brands

 – Strengthen consumer-centricity of 

innovation process

 – Failure to achieve growth targets, 

 – Apply scientific and nutritional 

loss of market share

know-how to enhance nutrition, 
health and wellness

 – Improve the accessibility of safe 

and affordable food

 – Increase in regulation on industry 

 – Focus scientific and nutritional 

and/or specific categories

 – Erosion of consumer confidence 

in industry

 – Limitations on marketing  

and distribution

know-how to enhance nutrition, 
health and wellness

 – Policies, including Responsible 

Marketing to Children and 
Marketing of Breast Milk 
Substitutes, in place

 – Reduced distribution of our 

 – Strategic customer relationship 

products to consumers
 – Restricted ability to price 

impacting margin 

 – Failure to achieve growth targets, 

loss of market share

management

 – Accelerate digital capabilities, 
expansion of e-commerce and 
online communication

Human rights 

Failure to identify and/or prevent 
human rights violations in direct 
operations and extended supply 
chain (e.g., forced labor,  
child labor, working hours,  
fair wages, etc.)

 – Negative effect on Nestlé’s 
reputation and/or brands

 – Penalties and/or fines
 – License to operate challenges
 – Litigation

Supply chain 
stewardship

Failure to ensure a transparent, 
sustainable and resilient food  
supply chain

 – Negative effect on Nestlé’s 
reputation and/or brands

 – Penalties and/or fines
 – License to operate challenges

Climate change  

Climate-related physical (including 
extreme weather events, water 
shortages and floods, and land use 
change, including deforestation) 
and transitional disruption (including 
policy actions, technological 
advances, market sentiment) 
disrupting our operations and/or 
consumer demand

 – Supply disruptions
 – Policy (e.g., carbon tax, land  
use restrictions, agricultural 
subsidy shifts, etc.) impacts  
on operating costs

 – Increased consumer and/or 

stakeholder concern on climate 
impacting reputation

 – Human rights due diligence
 – Sustainable Sourcing programs 
(e.g., Nescafé Plan, Nestlé Cocoa 
Plan, etc.)

 – Policies, processes and controls to 
respect and promote human rights

 – Grievance mechanisms and 
consequence management

 – Generation Regeneration activities 

to support the advancement  
of regenerative food systems
 – Sustainable sourcing programs 
to achieve transparency and 
traceability on key raw materials

 – Nestlé’s Net Zero Roadmap 
progress, which is included  
in the Creating Shared Value  
and Sustainability Report,  
and Nestlé’s response to the  
CDP questionnaires

 – Generation Regeneration activities 

to support the advancement  
of regenerative food systems

 – Publication of Nestlé TCFD report

61

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Principal risk 

Description

Potential impact

Key mitigations

Product and plastic 
packaging

Failure to comply with current 
or future regulation on plastic 
packaging and/or failure to meet 
commitments on packaging and the 
environment

 – Specific packaging (e.g., single-

 – Waste-free future: recyclable 

use plastic) and/or elements (e.g., 
straws) taxed, banned and/or 
delisted

 – Stigmatization of products, brands 

and/or categories

or reusable packaging; pioneer 
new packaging materials; 
collaborations to drive recycling 
penetration; educate via brand 
communications

 – Failure to achieve growth targets, 

 – Nestlé Institute of Packaging 

loss of market share

Sciences

Environmental 
stewardship

Failure to comply with legislation or 
meet expectations concerning the 
environment, including biodiversity 
impacts, use of natural resources, 
air emissions and waste discharges, 
etc.

 – Negative effect on Nestlé’s 
reputation and/or brands

 – Corporate fines and/or taxation on 

products/categories

 – License to operate challenges 

(e.g., access to water)

 – Litigation

Health and safety

Failure to comply with local health 
and safety regulations and/or 
nurture safe, healthy workplaces in 
all countries where Nestlé operates 

 – Negative effect on Nestlé’s 
reputation and/or brands

 – Penalties and/or fines
 – Litigation
 – Injuries or fatalities
 – Occupational illness or accidents

 – Context-based approach to water 

resource management
 – Commitments to improve 

operational efficiencies (e.g., 
switch to renewable energy 
sources, reduction in air 
emissions, etc.)

 – Nestlé membership on the 

Taskforce on Nature-related 
Financial Disclosures

 – Long-term initiatives to promote 

safe and healthy behaviors

 – Health and safety policies and 

procedures

 – Procedures in place to comply with 
local health and safety legislation

 – Employee Health Strategy, 

including #HealthyLives to build 
personal health, safety and 
well-being awareness among 
employees

 – Additional safety measures at site 

level in response to COVID-19

Systems, security and 
privacy

Threat of cyber-attacks or failure 
of internal systems and digital 
networks may disrupt the reliability, 
security and privacy of data and/or 
ability to operate

Supply chain disruption

Strategic investment 
choices

Major event impacting raw material 
sourcing, transport, and/or internal 
or external manufacturing facilities 
(e.g., commodity shortages, strikes, 
sanctions, natural disasters, health 
outbreaks, etc.) 

Investment choices evolve over 
time and may include emerging 
technologies; new business models; 
creation of, or entry into, new 
categories; geographic expansion

 – Inability to run operational 

activities

 – Loss of confidential information 
impacting corporate reputation

 – Loss of consumer trust
 – Penalties and/or fines 
 – Litigation

 – Contingencies and policies in 
place to protect hardware and 
software

 – Privacy program to guard against 
data security threats and comply 
with an evolving regulatory 
landscape

 – Impacts ability to ensure supply  

 – Business continuity and disaster 

of key products including sourcing, 
transporting to operational 
facilities and distribution  
to customers

recovery plans for key sites

 – Active price risk management  

on key commodities

 – Local and multiple supply options

 – Increase in input prices and/or 

production and distribution costs

 – Broader exposures for the Group
 – Acceptance of higher risk and 

return metrics

 – Group’s investment choices are 
aligned with our strategy and 
prioritized based on the potential 
to create value over the long term

62

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Principal risk 

Description

Potential impact

Key mitigations

Business 
transformations

Failure of strategic transformations 
such as large scale change 
management projects, restructuring, 
mergers and acquisitions, etc.

 – Failure to realize anticipated 

benefits

 – Impairments
 – Low employee morale and/or 

engagement

 – Transformations receive executive 
sponsorship with aligned targets 
and appropriate levels of resources 
to support successful execution 

People engagement

Failure to attract and retain skilled, 
talented employees in a competitive, 
dynamic marketplace

 – Adversely impact our corporate 

reputation

 – Failure to equip the workforce with 

the skills for the digital age
 – Failure to achieve growth and 

profit targets

 – Initiatives in place to improve 
gender balance and cultural 
diversity

 – Development strategies to cope 
with the demands of a changing 
workforce

Ethics and compliance

Failure to act with integrity or in  
a manner consistent with our 
purpose and values

 – Adversely impact our corporate 

reputation and brands
 – Penalties and/or fines 
 – Litigation

 – Corporate Business Principles and 
Nestlé Code of Business Conduct 
outline the Group’s commitment 
to integrity

 – Compliance program and systems, 
including grievance mechanisms, 
in place

 – Participation in multi-stakeholder 
groups to promote and advocate 
for ethical use of data, including 
AI, e-commerce and digital

Non-financial corporate 
governance

Failure to comply and/or meet 
stakeholders’ expectations 
with regards to non-financial 
performance and reporting

 – Adversely impact our corporate 

 – Board accountability supported by 

reputation and brands
 – Penalties and/or fines 
 – Litigation

Sustainability Committee

 – Executive responsibility provided 

by the ESG & Sustainability 
Council

 – Dedicated ESG Strategy and 

Deployment Unit 

 – Alignment to relevant non-

financial reporting frameworks 
(e.g., GRI, SASB, TCFD, etc.)

Macro financial factors

Geo-political factors

Volatility and/or sudden shocks 
impacting macro factors (e.g., 
currencies, interest rates, cost of 
capital, credit ratings, pension 
liabilities)

 – Government intervention (e.g., 
capital controls, price controls) 
impacting operations and financial 
performance

 – Appropriate governance and risk 
mitigation measures to actively 
manage exposures and long-term 
asset and liability outlook

 – Access to capital markets

Adverse instability and/or 
uncertainty (e.g., political instability, 
conflicts, trade wars, pandemic 
or health outbreaks, labor and/or 
infrastructure-related risks) 

 – Reduction in consumer demand 

across categories and/or channels 
 – Disruption to Nestlé’s ability to do 
business in a country or region

 – Disruption to supply chain

 – Monitoring and ad-hoc continuity 
plans to mitigate against events

 – Group-wide geographical 

and product category spreads 
represents a natural hedge

63

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Factories 

Americas (AMS)

Europe, Middle East and North Africa (EMENA) 

Argentina

Bolivia

Brazil

Canada

Chile

Colombia

Cuba

Dominican Republic

Ecuador

Guatemala

Mexico

Nicaragua

Panama

Peru

Trinidad and Tobago

United States

Uruguay

Venezuela

6

1

12

3

9

5

3

2

3

2

11

1

1

1

1

58

1

5

Algeria

Bahrain

Belgium

Bulgaria

Czech Republic

Denmark

Egypt

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Iran

Ireland

Israel

Italy

Jordan

Lebanon

Morocco

Netherlands

Poland

Portugal

Qatar

Republic of Serbia

Romania *

Russia

Saudi Arabia

Slovak Republic

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Tunisia

Turkey

Ukraine

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

2

1

1

1

3

1

2

2

15

13

2

2

2

1

8

7

1

2

1

1

5

2

1

1

1

6

7

1

10

1

10

1

3

3

4

9

The figure in black after the 
country denotes the number  
of factories.

* Idle factory

   Powdered and Liquid Beverages
  Water
  Milk products and Ice cream
  Nutrition and Health Science
   Prepared dishes and  

cooking aids
  Confectionery
  PetCare

64

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Asia, Oceania and sub-Saharan Africa (AOA) 

Angola

Australia

Bangladesh

Cameroon

Côte d’Ivoire

Ghana

1

6

1

1

2

1

Greater China Region

23

India

Indonesia

Japan

Kenya

Malaysia

Myanmar

New Zealand

Nigeria

Pakistan

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Senegal

Singapore

South Africa

Sri Lanka

Thailand

Vietnam

Zimbabwe

8

3

3

1

6

1

2

3

4

1

5

1

2

5

1

8

6

1

65

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Corporate Governance 
and Compliance

66

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Corporate Governance

Our governance provides the base for our many actions 
leading to sustainable value creation. We continue to 
balance the pursuit of top-line and bottom-line growth 
with capital efficiency. Our science- and consumer-driven 
innovations meet fast-changing consumer needs. At the 
same time, we use our scale, resources and expertise to 
create shared value for all our stakeholders.

In 2021, we set forth our plans to support and accelerate 
the transition to regenerative food systems to protect 
and restore the environment, improve the livelihoods 
of farmers and enhance the well-being of farming 
communities. This engagement ties in with our prior 
commitments and our company purpose to unlock the 
power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today 
and for generations to come.

We also continue our engagement on climate action, 
aiming to halve our greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 
and achieve net zero by 2050. At the 2021 Annual General 
Meeting, our shareholders strongly supported our detailed 
Net Zero Roadmap.

Our diverse Board of Directors is engaged to oversee 
the direction of our company. Since 2015, we have 
strengthened the Board through eleven new independent 
directors with diverse experience and expertise 
directly relevant to Nestlé, for example, with respect 
to food systems, food and beverage, digitalization and 
other topics.

We continue to engage with our shareholders through 
our roadshows, investor meetings and analyst calls. Our 
Chairman’s Roundtables took place virtually with investors 
in Asia, the Middle East, North America, Switzerland, 
Germany, the UK, France and the Netherlands.

In 2021, our Board created a separate, dedicated 
Sustainability Committee to advise on all aspects of our 
environmental and social sustainability. In particular, the 
Sustainability Committee oversees our response to climate 
change, our human rights due diligence program, and our 
strategies for diversity and inclusion.

Our Chair’s and Corporate Governance Committee 
regularly reviews aspects of our governance, as well 
as our asset and liability management and other risk 
management topics. 

Share capital distribution by geography

  Switzerland 
  United States 
  United Kingdom 
  Germany 
  Canada 
  Japan 
  Luxembourg 
  Sweden 
  Belgium 
  Australia 
  Others 

35.8%
33.5%
5.7%
4.9%
2.3%
2.2%
2.1%
1.7%
1.6%
1.2%
9.0%

Our Nomination Committee, chaired by our Lead 
Independent Director, evaluates Board composition, 
performance, structure and succession planning. It assesses 
candidates for nomination to the Board.

Our Compensation Committee ensures alignment of our 
remuneration systems with our values, strategies and 
performance. In 2021, it implemented a set of ESG-related 
KPIs for the Executive Board.

Our Audit Committee oversees internal and external audit, 
financial reporting, internal controls, compliance and risk 
management. It reviews reports regarding compliance, 
fraud, enterprise risk management and the Group’s annual 
risk assessment.

We recognize that for our company to be successful over 
time and create sustainable value for shareholders, we must 
also create value for society. Our governance helps us strike 
the right balance in our pursuit of long-term, sustainable 
value creation.

67

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Board of Directors  
of Nestlé S.A.

Board of Directors of Nestlé S.A. 
at December 31, 2021

Paul Bulcke (1, 2, 4)
Chairman
U. Mark Schneider (1, 2)
Chief Executive Officer

Henri de Castries (1, 2, 4, 6)
Vice Chairman
Lead Independent Director
Former Chairman and CEO, AXA
Pablo Isla (1, 2, 3)
Executive Chairman, Inditex
Renato Fassbind (1, 2, 6)
Vice Chairman, Swiss Re AG
Ann M. Veneman (1, 2, 5)
Former Secretary, U.S. Department 
of Agriculture, 
and Executive Director, UNICEF
Eva Cheng (1, 4, 6)
Former Chairwoman and CEO, 
Amway China & Southeast Asia
Patrick Aebischer (1, 3)
President Emeritus of the  
Swiss Federal Institute of
Technology Lausanne (EPFL)

Kimberly A. Ross (1, 6)
Former CFO, Baker Hughes LLC,  
Avon Products Inc. and  
Royal Ahold N.V.
Kasper Rorsted (1, 3)
CEO, adidas AG
Dick Boer (1, 3, 5)
Former President and CEO,
Ahold Delhaize N.V.
Dinesh Paliwal (1, 4)
Former President and CEO, 
Harman International 
Industries Inc.
Hanne Jimenez de Mora (1, 5)
Co-founder, a-connect group
Lindiwe M. Sibanda (1, 5)
Professor, University of Pretoria, 
RSA

Peter Brabeck-Letmathe
Chairman Emeritus
David P. Frick 
Secretary to the Board
EY (1)
Independent auditors

68

(1)  Term expires on the date of the
Annual General Meeting 2022.

(2)  Chair’s and Corporate 
  Governance Committee.
(3)  Compensation Committee.
(4)  Nomination Committee.
(5)  Sustainability Committee.
(6)  Audit Committee.

For further information on the Board of 
Directors, please refer to the Corporate 
Governance Report 2021.

Nestlé Annual Review 2021 
Paul Bulcke

U. Mark Schneider

Henri de Castries

Pablo Isla

Renato Fassbind

Ann M. Veneman

Eva Cheng

Patrick Aebischer

Kimberly A. Ross

Kasper Rorsted

Dick Boer

Dinesh Paliwal

Hanne Jimenez de Mora

Lindiwe M. Sibanda

David P. Frick
Secretary to the Board

69

Nestlé Annual Review 20214 

3 

7 

5 

2 

Executive 
Board of  
Nestlé S.A.

  Executive Board of Nestlé S.A.  
  at December 31, 2021

  1  U. Mark Schneider

Chief Executive Officer

  2  Laurent Freixe

EVP, CEO Zone Americas

  3  Chris Johnson

EVP, CEO Zone Asia, Oceania,  
sub-Saharan Africa

  4  Marco Settembri 

EVP, CEO Zone Europe,  
  Middle East, North Africa
  5  François-Xavier Roger 

EVP, Chief Financial Officer

  6  Magdi Batato

EVP, Operations

  7  Stefan Palzer

EVP, Innovation Technology, 
Research and Development
  8  Béatrice Guillaume-Grabisch
EVP, Human Resources 
and Business Services

  9  Leanne Geale

EVP, General Counsel,  
Corporate Governance  
and Compliance

10  Bernard Meunier

EVP, Strategic Business Units, 

  Marketing and Sales
11  Greg Behar

Deputy EVP, CEO, 
Nestlé Health Science

12  Sanjay Bahadur

Deputy EVP, Group Strategy 
and Business Development

13  David Rennie

Deputy EVP, Nestlé Coffee 
Brands

EVP: Executive Vice President
CEO: Chief Executive Officer

For further information on the  
Executive Board, please refer to the 
Corporate Governance Report 2021.

70

Nestlé Annual Review 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 

13 

10

9

12

11

8

6

Our R&D home for coffee innovation  
in Orbe, Switzerland, is where our 
experts develop innovative products 
and systems across all coffee brands.

71

Nestlé Annual Review 2021helped us address issues such as abuse of power and/or 
mobbing/bullying, labor practices, discrimination and 
harassment, sexual harassment, fraud and non-compliance 
with the WHO Code. 133 employees had to leave our 
company and 6 service providers were terminated as a result 
of non-compliance incidents.

Our Compliance culture helps in creating sustainable value 
for all our stakeholders and making Nestlé a force for good.

Compliance

Business ethics and compliance are the foundations of 
how we do business and the conditions for creating shared 
value. Our commitments to ethics, integrity, fairness and 
authenticity are enshrined in our Purpose and Values, 
the Corporate Business Principles and the Nestlé Code 
of Business Conduct. Our comprehensive Compliance 
Management System helps our employees and managers 
do the right thing for the right reason, while protecting and 
strengthening Nestlé’s reputation.

Our Board of Directors and our Executive Board oversee  
and promote good practices throughout the company.  
Line management is supported by our dedicated Corporate 
Compliance function, which provides guidance and 
functional leadership, as well as by all other functions 
engaged in our risk- and principles-based Compliance 
program. Our Group Compliance Committee ensures 
a continuous evolution of our Integrated Assurance 
Framework. Market Compliance Officers and Committees 
ensure a consistent approach across the Group and help 
identify local compliance priorities.

In 2021, a significant increase in the number of mandatory 
trainings on topics such as the Corporate Business Principles 
or the Nestlé Code of Business Conduct was achieved. During 
the year more than 900 000 modules were completed.

Our IT Roadmap enables compliance through new 
automated tools. This facilitates an effective management of 
our Compliance Management System.

We monitor compliance through our corporate functions, our 
internal audit function and our external auditors. Through 
our CARE program, we regularly assess specific aspects of 
our social compliance with the help of independent external 
auditors. A new cycle started in 2021, with a renewed focus 
on human rights.

In 2021, we launched our new single reporting channel for 
non-compliance concerns and questions, Speak Up, which 
replaces the internal IRS reporting system and the external 
Tell Us system. This system is independently operated by a 
third party to ensure confidentiality. It allowed us to address 
2475 concerns from employees and external stakeholders. 
All complaints are investigated and remedial actions taken 
as needed. Trend analysis enables us to focus on monitoring 
key risks, the quality of consequence management decisions 
and the improvement action plans. Substantiated complaints 

72

Nestlé Annual Review 2021Shareholder information

Stock exchange listing
At December 31, 2021, Nestlé S.A. shares  
are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, Zurich 
(ISIN code: CH0038863350).
American Depositary Receipts (ISIN code: 
US6410694060) representing Nestlé S.A. 
shares are offered in the USA by Citibank,  
N.A., New York.

April 7, 2022
155th Annual General Meeting

April 8, 2022
Last trading day with entitlement to dividend

April 11, 2022 
Ex-dividend date

April 13, 2022
Payment of the dividend

April 21, 2022
2022 three-month sales figures

July 28, 2022
2022 half-year results

October 19, 2022
2022 nine-month sales figures

February 16, 2023
2022 full-year results

April 20, 2023
156th Annual General Meeting

Registered Offices
Nestlé S.A.
Avenue Nestlé 55
CH-1800 Vevey (Switzerland)
tel. +41 (0)21 924 21 11

Nestlé S.A. (Share Transfer Office)
Zugerstrasse 8
CH-6330 Cham (Switzerland)
tel. +41 (0)41 785 20 20

For additional information, contact:  
Nestlé S.A.  
Investor Relations
Avenue Nestlé 55
CH-1800 Vevey (Switzerland)
tel. +41 (0)21 924 35 09
e-mail: ir@nestle.com

As to information concerning the share  
register (registrations, transfers,  
dividends, etc.), please contact:
Nestlé S.A. (Share Transfer Office)
Zugerstrasse 8
CH-6330 Cham (Switzerland)
tel. +41 (0)41 785 20 20
fax +41 (0)41 785 20 24
e-mail: shareregister@nestle.com

The Annual Review is available online  
as a PDF in English, French and German.  
The consolidated income statement, balance 
sheet and cash flow statement are also 
available as Excel files.

www.nestle.com

© 2022, Nestlé S.A., Cham and Vevey 
(Switzerland)

The Annual Report contains forward-
looking statements which reflect 
Management’s current views and 
estimates. The forward-looking 
statements involve certain risks and 
uncertainties that could cause actual 
results to differ materially from those 
contained in the forward-looking 
statements. Potential risks and 
uncertainties include factors, such as 
general economic conditions, foreign 
exchange fluctuations, competitive 
product and pricing pressures,  
and regulatory developments.

The Annual Report is published  
in English, German and French.  
The English version is binding for  
the content.

The brands in italics are registered 
trademarks of the Nestlé Group.

Visual concept and design
Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., 
Corporate Identity & Design, 
with Large Network

Photography
Gaëtan Bally, 
Lionel Deriaz, 
William Gammuto, 
Matthew Joseph, 
Nestlé S.A.

Prepress
Images3 S.A. (Switzerland)

Production
Stämpfli AG (Switzerland)

Paper
This report is printed on Refutura,  
a paper certified by the Forest 
Stewardship Council (FSC) produced 
from 100% recycled content.

Printed Matter

myclimate.org/01-22-472138

Nestlé Annual Review 2021

73