Nestlé Partners with NGOs on CSV Initiatives

Exploring possible partnerships with NGOs to supplement existing CSV initiatives, Corporate Affairs invited Opportunity International Asia Pacific Regional Director Mark Daniels and APPEND CEO Virginia Juan to serve as resource speakers in the CSV Council Meeting held on May 21. Opportunity International and APPEND are organizations that specialize in helping the poorest of the poor start up their own businesses.


During this meeting, the CSV Council discussed the livelihood program initiatives of the Company as well as possible areas for collaboration with the two NGOs on issues regarding microfinance, micro-insurance, and community enterprise models.

“With this meeting, we have once more started an interesting discussion on possible partnerships with other stakeholders leading to CSV programs, which can have greater impact to society,” said Corporate Affairs Head Edith de Leon. This is in line with the thrust to “forge an era of collaboration” as mentioned by Chairman and CEO John Miller in the CSV Forum Philippines held on April 23.

The meeting was attended by Dave Laurel and Misha Rabat of Corporate Affairs; Menard Dacono, Jessie Dantes, and Bots Velez of ICD; Sunny Yu of Nestlé Professional; Art Baria of Technical; Rene Alvarado of SH&E; Kat Castro of Nestlé Nutrition; Gabby Posadas of CBD; and Aimee Ballesteros of Pulilan HR.

 
SOURCE: Nestle Family Balita (June 15, 2010)

Nestlé Health Science S.A. and Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences established

Vevey, 27 September 2010 – Nestlé today announced the creation of Nestlé Health Science S.A. and the Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences to pioneer a new industry between food and pharma. These two separate organisations will allow Nestlé to develop the innovative area of personalised health science nutrition to prevent and treat health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease, which are placing an unsustainable burden on the world’s healthcare systems.



Nestlé Health Science S.A., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nestlé S.A., will become operational on 1 January 2011. The new company will be run at arm’s length from Nestlé’s main food, beverages and nutrition activities, and incorporate the existing global Nestlé HealthCare Nutrition business, which had a turnover of CHF 1.6 billion in 2009. Nestlé Health Science S.A. will also have access to external scientific and technological know-how through Nestlé’s innovation network as well as a number of venture capital funds in which the group has interests. Luis Cantarell, the company’s designated President and CEO, will report to Paul Bulcke in his capacity as Administrateur délégué of the Board of Directors of Nestlé Health Science S.A., which is chaired by Peter Brabeck-Letmathe.


The Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences will be part of Nestlé’s global R&D network. The Institute will be run by Emmanuel E. Baetge, former Chief Scientific Officer of ViaCyte, a biotech company based in San Diego, who will report to Nestlé Chief Technology Officer Werner Bauer and a Steering Committee composed of both Nestlé and external members. Nestlé will invest hundreds of millions of Swiss francs over the next decade to build a world-class Institute of Health Sciences, which will conduct research in relevant areas of biomedical science to translate this knowledge into nutritional strategies to improve health and longevity. The Institute will be based in the multi-disciplinary scientific environment of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) in Lausanne, where Nestlé is already involved in two life science initiatives.


Nestlé Chairman Peter Brabeck-Letmathe said that Nestlé will be a pioneer in helping to shape the space between the food and pharma industry. “The combination of health economics, changing demographics and advances in health science show that our existing healthcare systems, which focus on treating sick people, are not sustainable and need redesigning. Nestlé has the expertise, the science, the resources and the organisation to play a major role in seeking alternative solutions. Personalised health science nutrition is about finding efficient and cost effective ways to prevent and treat acute and chronic diseases in the 21st century,” he said.


Nestlé CEO Paul Bulcke said: “The creation of Nestlé Health Science S.A. and the Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences is the best way to focus our attention and organize our unique capabilities and competencies to seize this promising business opportunity. The new set-up will give us a pioneering and leading role in this entirely new industry, while at the same time allowing us to keep the necessary focus on Nestlé’s extremely important food, beverages and nutrition business, as embodied by our binding promise of Good Food, Good Life.”
Luis Cantarell, Nestlé Health Science President and CEO designate, said: “This is an exciting new business opportunity, the execution of which will have a positive long-term impact on peoples’ lives. Personalised health science nutrition will create shared value, both for Nestlé and for society, by successfully preventing, improving and treating acute and chronic medical conditions. I am looking forward to getting this ground-breaking work underway.”


Emmanuel E. Baetge, designated head of the Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences, said: “The Institute will create and deliver world class excellence in biomedical research to better understand human diseases and ageing as influenced by genetics, metabolism and environment. Translating this knowledge will allow us to advance the concept of daily personalised health science nutrition as the most important first step in disease prevention and treatment.”


Nestlé, the world’s leading nutrition, health and wellness company, first entered healthcare nutrition in 1986. Over the last three years, it has made a number of strategic acquisitions in this area such as Novartis Medical Nutrition and Vitaflo. Nestlé HealthCare Nutrition, currently an integral part of Nestlé Nutrition, has a long established reputation as a science-based organisation and has also been setting the trend for personalised nutrition and related services in recent years.


The press conference on this announcement will be webcast live today at 11 am CET on www.nestle.com and will thereafter also be available on-demand. Questions from attending journalists will be given precedence, although we will also take questions from media and investment community representatives via our website. Please see www.nestle.com for log-in details.

Chris Johnson and Nandu Nandkishore appointed to Nestlé Executive Board

Vevey, 27 September 2010 - As a consequence of Luis Cantarell’s new operational responsibilities as President and CEO of Nestlé Health Science S.A. from 1 January 2011, the Nestlé Board of Directors approved the appointment of Chris Johnson as Executive Vice President in charge of Zone Americas. Chris Johnson, who has been in charge of Nestlé Japan since 2007, will officially take up his new role on 1 January 2011. A U.S. citizen, Chris Johnson started his career with Nestlé in 1983 as a marketing trainee in Carnation Inc. During his first eight years, he took on increasing responsibilities, mainly in the commercial area, at Nestlé USA and then, from 1991, in Japan. Senior Area Manager for the Asian region of Nestlé Waters in Paris from 1995, he was then transferred to Taiwan in 1998 as market head. From 2000, Chris Johnson led the worldwide development and implementation of GLOBE, a key enabler for the subsequent structural and strategic transformation of Nestlé. As such, he was appointed Deputy Executive Vice President in April 2001. Six years later, in 2007, Chris Johnson was appointed head of Nestlé Japan, a market he has since successfully run.


The Nestlé Board of Directors also approved the appointment of Nandu Nandkishore as Deputy Executive Vice President in charge of Nestlé Nutrition, with immediate effect. An Indian national, Nandu Nandkishore started in 1989 with Nestlé in India where, over the next seven years, he took on increasing responsibilities, mainly in marketing. His international career started in 1996 when he was transferred to Indonesia to run the Confectionery Business Unit. In 2000, after a short period at international headquarters in Vevey, he returned to Indonesia where he was promoted to market head of Indonesia in March 2003. In April 2005, Nandu Nandkishore became market head of Nestlé Philippines, which he ran very successfully until October 2009, when he returned to international headquarters to take up the role of Global Business Head, Infant Nutrition.

Nestlé Philippines "I Choose Wellness" - STAY HEALTHY

By: Jocelyn Valle

A giant multinational food conglomerate exhorts everyone to keep fit.
Back in 1990, recalls Nestle Philippines, Inc. (NPI) Chairman and CEO John Martin Miller, he never saw any overweight person in Southeast Asia. At that time, the Englishman had just moved from the Middle East, where he worked for another company.

"Now, (obesity) is a growing problem," he laments, believing that it's been caused by the less healthy aspects of the Western diet that has crept into the eating habits of Asians. "This is why nutrition and wellness is very important to us (at Nestle). We want to help people to live a healthy lifestyle so people don't get obese and get diabetic.
The consumer-goods manufacturing giant has found an effective tool in accomplishing this goal in its annual campaign, I Choose Wellness Expo, which this year took place on July 3 and 4 at SM Megamall.

Celebrity Recipes plus Lifestyle attended the opening and experienced the overwhelmingly positive response of the public. For starters, long lines already formed outside the venue's entrance even before the event started at 10 a.m. And while inside, they eagerly checked out the booths that either rendered healthcare services like a free cholesterol check, hosted fun games or handed out samples of Nestle products. Never mind if they had to inch their way across the thick crowd to their next stop and stand in line each time they get there, achieving wellness was the rule of the day.

"So I think that's a big change that's taking place now," exclaims the NPI's head over lunch, after he cut the ceremonial ribbon and gave the opening remarks. "I think people have certainly become conscious of the need to lead healthy lifestyles."

In essence, it's just like going back to our gastronomic roots. Filipinos, Mr.Miller has observed, share the tradition of going to the wet market every morning to get the freshest produce with those from neighboring countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore. It is also one activity that he enjoys doing with his wife, who's Malaysian of Cantonese lineage.
"Food is not only about nutrition; it's about the family, it's about the commonalities. People come together around the table. This is why food marketing is so basic," he states, adding that he's aware of the merienda culture in the country that has made easting five times a day the norm. "In England, we always talk about the weather. Here, people always say, 'Have you eaten yet?'"

It was small wonder then that the cooking demos were a huge hit at the expo. One of our columnists, Chef Tess Galang Sutilo, (she writes 'Hits') shared a couple of easy-to-prepare recipes like fresh fruits in cinnamon pandan sugar syrup and multi-layered dip.

Mr.Miller shares that Nestle products like Maggi Magic Sarap work in harmony with fresh produce that Filipinos are accustomed to find in the wet market. He also expresses amazement at how Milo, Nescafe and Nestea have become a big part of every Pinoy's day-to-day life since the global conglomerate entered the local market 99 years ago.

And Nestle makes its presence here even stronger by investing P4.3 billion over two years for a new factory to be built on a 27-hectare site in Tanauan, Batangas. It will not only serve its purpose of producing Coffee-mate non-dairy creamer and Bear Brand powdered milk drink but it will also create much-needed jobs. Now, that promises wellness for a lot of lives here.

Below is an exciting recipe from Chef Tess of the Julius Maggi Kichen.

FRESH FRUITS IN CINNAMON PANDAN SUGAR SYRUP

Ingredients:

1  cup water
2  pcs. pandan leaves tied in a knot
1/2  cup sugar
1/2 cup bottled cherries, drained, sliced into halves
1 pc. red apple, skin on & cube
1 pc. pear, skin pn & cube
1/2 cup green seedless grapes
1/2  cup red seedless grapes
1 (250mg) Nestle all purpose cream, chilled
 cashew nuts, coarsely crushed
 cinnamon powder

Procedure:

Make pandan syrup by boiling pandan leaves in water with sugar. Boil until sugar is completely dissolved. Set aside to cool. In a bowl,combine all fruits and toss into the pandan syrup. Keep in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Line individual containers with crushed cashew nuts. Scoop fruit mixture on top of fruits. Top with a dollop of cream and dust with cinnamon powder before serving.

SOURCE: Celebrity Recipes plus Lifestyle (September-October Issue)

Nestle Philippines 3rd Mega DC Opens in Mindanao

Nestlé Philippines culminated its vision of streamlining its distribution centers from 27 DCs to three mega DCs with the opening of the Cagayan Distribution Center, its 3rd and newest DC, on June 2, 2010. It is the product of a three-way partnership among Nestlé Philippines Inc., Fast Services Corporation, and One Stop Logistics Solutions Inc.



Chairman and CEO John Martin Miller together with Zone AOA Supply Chain Head Mark Jones, Supply Chain Director Jojit Aguilar, Fast Logistics Corporation President and CEO William Chiongbian II, Magsaysay Transport and Logistics President and CEO Doris Ho, and Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar Moreno led the ribbon cutting before guests and well-wishers proceeded to the grounds to listen to their messages.

“Today we open a very important component of our business model, the Cagayan Distribution Center. Nestlé Philippines stands on the threshold of its centenary, and as we look ahead to the next century, I believe that this facility will play an absolute integral role as we continue our mission to nourish and nurture generations of Filipino families,” said John in his welcome remarks.

In his message, Mark Jones underscored the importance of safety, quality, and consumers to the Company. He also wished CDC success in its goal to be the best DC in the Philippines, or even in the Nestlé group. “I truly believe that with the passion, energy and drive that I know you have, one day, this facility can be the best in the Nestlé group.”

For his part, Jojit said, “A supply chain is only as strong as its weakest link. In Nestlé, our mission is to make every link as strong as it can be. CDC is now a part of the Nestlé Supply Chain, and we commit to ensure it is always at its strongest.”

William Chiongbian added that the idea of three DCs “used to just be a dream, now the three mega warehouse concept of Nestlé has seen its fruition.”

Governor Moreno also took the stage to thank and welcome Nestlé Philippines to the region.

CDC is strategically located in Barangay Casinglot, Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental in the island of Mindanao, 900 meters from the Mindanao International Container Terminal and around 7.6 kms from Cagayan de Oro Factory, the coffee production hub in the country and the ASEAN supply center for filled milk powder. The first two DCs, Meycauayan and Batino, are located in the main island of Luzon, where some two-thirds of the Philippine population of over 85 million live.

Occupying a total property size of 50,000 sqm, CDC is an L-type warehouse. It has 34 loading and unloading docks that can accommodate 30 to 50 trucks daily, hauling around 1.2 million cases of goods per month. The 12-meter high facility has a total capacity of 31,000 pallets that move in and out of the DC, supported by the latest technology. CDC is also equipped with 24/7 CCTV monitoring system to ensure continuity of everyday operations.

The groundbreaking and construction of CDC started in 2008. It was inaugurated in January 2010 with the slogan “Our 1st Leap Towards Best in Class Distribution Center”.

Part of CDC’s vision is to be the greenest and most environmentally friendly among Nestlé’s distribution centers in the Philippines. The DC integrates energy saving and environment conservation measures in its day-to-day operations by using energy efficient lamps, installing a rainwater collection system, and using waterless urinals, to name a few. Solar air-conditioning system is also used in the office general work area, which consumes up to 50% less energy than conventional air-conditioning units.

As Doris Ho enthused in her speech, “As CDC goes full blast with this grand opening today, we commit that we will exert all our energy and dedication to work with our Nestlé counterparts to make CDC the best and safest DC in the world!”

 
SOURCE: Nestle Family Balita (June 30, 2010)

Nestlé Welcomes New Batch of Scholars

Chairman and CEO John Miller and EXECOM Members Gid Manuel, Edith de Leon, Peter Noszek, and Sandra Puno with the new batch of Nestlé scholars

Twenty-three new scholars have joined the roster of qualified employee children enjoying the benefits of the Nestlé Scholarship Program, now on its 14th year.


This brings to 393 the total of Nestlé Scholars today, with the most number coming from MAO (39%), followed by Cabuyao and Cagayan de Oro (22% each), Lipa (12%), and Pulilan (5%). The number of scholarship slots allotted to each site is based on the ratio and proportion of each site’s manpower count according to employee level.

The new scholars from MAO, Cabuyao, Lipa and Pulilan were awarded their Nestlé Scholarship certificates in simple ceremonies held at the Nestlé Center training rooms on June 1, 2010. Chairman and CEO John Miller, assisted by Corporate HR Director Gid Manuel, Finance & Control Director Peter Noszek, Communications Director Sandra Puno, and Corporate Affairs Director Edith de Leon, presented the certificates to the new scholars and their parents.

In his message, Chairman and CEO John Miller underscored how the Nestlé Scholarship Program demonstrates the value that NPI gives to education. “Although you are very young, you have already exhibited the passion for education,” John told the new batch of scholars. “The most important gift you will ever receive is education. As Nestlé scholars, you are role models, the future leaders of the Philippines. Well done to each and everyone of you.”

John also lauded the parents of the scholars. “Congratulations, parents. You are role models as well.”

The event also marked the first time that the Nestlé Scholarship Program awarding ceremony was held at a central location for all Luzonbased work sites. Corporate Learning & Development Head Mitzie Antonio explained, “We decided to have just one awarding for all Luzon-based worksites here at MAO to allow our new scholars and their parents the opportunity to meet our EXECOM.”

CDO held its Nestlé Scholarship Program awarding ceremony on June 26 at the factory. Grade 5 student Hendrich Namoca, son of Pulilan HR Executive Hope Namoca, led the opening prayer where he thanked the Lord “for giving us the best parents who always guide us in everything we do, showing us love and support.”

In her closing prayer, Grade 2 student Angela Paderes, the 7-year old daughter of Cabuyao Factory’s Ethel Paderes, thanked the Lord for the blessing, and urged fellow scholars to “study well to make our parents proud of us.”

Employee-parent representative from Sales Control, Joy Ginez, mother of new scholar Isabelle Beatriz, expressed her gratitude to the Nestlé family for the recognition given to employees’ children through the program. “This is a concrete example of Creating Shared Value. Rest assured that your investment in our scholars is an investment for their future.”

Started in 1996, the Nestlé Scholarship Program recognizes the academically outstanding children of Nestlé employees, in order to inspire and motivate them to continue to excel in their studies. Once awarded, the scholarship is renewable every year, provided the student-scholar maintains an annual Grade Point Average of 85% or its equivalent, with no failing marks or incomplete grade in any subject. The employee-parent of the scholar must likewise be of good standing in the Company, with no records of unexcused absence, violation of the rule on tardiness, and suspension.

Nestlé scholars in grade school and high school get a company assistance of PhP 16,000 annually, while college and vocational scholars receive a yearly assistance of PhP 25,000.

“We welcome the new batch of Nestlé scholars, and wish them all the best as they strive to continue to excel in the school year 2010-2011. We hope that our Nestlé scholars will serve as an inspiration to students out there to value their education and study hard to achieve excellence,” Gid said.

SOURCE: Nestle Family Balita (June 30, 2010)

Tambuli Awards: Nestlé Bags Multiple Awards

Photo caption: Communications Director Sandra Puno (center) with the winning brand groups and their communication partners showing their yield of nine trophie

Nestlé Philippines garnered a total of nine awards in this year’s Tambuli Awards, held recently at the Li Seng Giap Auditorium of the University of Asia & the Pacific. The Company won three silver medals and six bronze medals in the various categories.


Check the Label and MILO’s Building Champions in Life garnered the Silver in the Best Established Product Brand Campaign category, while Laki sa Gatas Nutrition Education Advocacy and COFFEE-MATE’s Perfect Moments received the Bronze.

In the Best Family Oriented Brand Campaign, Ice Cream SORBETES’ Bringing Filipino Families Closer received the Silver award. NESCAFÉ Classic’s HOME TVC was awarded the Bronze in Best in Creative Idea & Execution, while NESCAFE 3in1’s Kahit Sino, Mix Mo TVC got the Bronze in the Best Teens Brand Campaign category. A Bronze award also went to NESTLÉ PURINA’s Homeless, Not Worthless campaign in the Best Small Budget Product Brand Campaign.

Garnering the Bronze award in the Best Insights & Strategic Thinking category was NESTLÉ Fruit Selection Yogurt for its Empowering and Leading Consumers Towards a Healthy Lifestyle Campaign. Organized by the University of Asia and the Pacific School of Communication, the Tambuli Awards follows a case study approach in recognizing both the business and societal values of integrated marketing communications campaigns. Entries submitted must prove that the campaigns resulted in increased profitability and promoted societal values.

SOURCE: Nestle Family Balita (July 30, 2010)

Nestle Philippines 'greening' its supply chain

NESTLÉ Philippines is making sure that its environmental advocacy will spread throughout the lifecycle of its products by enjoining all the companies involved in its operations, from production to marketing, to take the green route.


Under its Greening the Supply Chain (GSC) program, Nestlé Philippines is influencing its suppliers, vendors and other business partners to improve their level of environmental performance.

"This ensures the continuous improvement of environmental performance throughout the supply chain, from producing and purchasing of raw materials, to manufacturing, packaging, distribution and finally to the consumer." Engineer Renato Alvarado, Nestlé's Corporate Safety, Health and Environment Executive, said.

Alvarado explained that the GSC program requires measures to reduce water consumption and energy efficiency initiatives.

The company, for its part, has also made substantial investments for its wastewater treatment, solid waste disposal and solid waste segregation.

Nestlé has been in the Philippines for 99 years. It has four manufacturing plants in the country.

The Cagayan de Oro factory manufactures Nescafé and Bear Brand, the Cabuyao factory produces Nido, Nesvita, Nan, Nestogen, Bear Brand Choco, Nestlé All-Purpose Cream, Ready-to-Drink Milo, Bear Brand Sterilized, and Chuckie; the Lipa factory, produces Milo and Nestlé Breakfast Cereals; and the Pulilan factory manufactures Nestlé Ice Cream and Chilled products.

The company recently announced that it is investing another P4.3-billion over two years for a new factory to be built on a 27-hectare site in Tanauan, Batangas.

Construction of the new factory will start this month and is expected to be completed in March 2012. The facility will produce Coffee-Mate Non-Dairy Creamer and Bear Brand Powdered Milk Drink.

To ensure the program's effective implementation, Alvarado said they also provide free education on environmental management system and a forum for exchanging best practices for business partners.

The firm also makes available its customized assistance such as initial environmental reviews and follow-up visits, he added.

"Environmental protection is a responsibility." said Alvarado. "Nestlé promotes activities which help establish awareness on the importance of environmental protection, transforming this awareness to conviction and sustainable actions among its employees, business partners and other stakeholders not only in business but even on personal level."

Nestlé Philippines is expected to strongly influence the green advocacy among enterprises in the country since it is one of the top six corporations here.

by: Sherriebelle Alegre

SOURCE: Express Life (September 12, 2010)

Wellness Expo Boosts Nestle Philippines Nutrition, Health and Wellness Campaign

Nestlé Philippines, Inc. once again affirmed its advocacy of nutrition, health, and wellness (NHW) for Filipinos as it successfully mounted the I Choose Wellness Expo on July 3-4, 2010 at the SM Megamall Megatrade Halls 2 and 3.


Nearly 20,000 shoppers responded to the Company’s invitation to choose wellness, flocking to the expo venue where they enjoyed free admission to the nutrition, health, and wellness seminars, and to the many exciting wellness activities that simultaneously took place at different areas around the expo.

Some 5,510 consumers signed up for the I Choose Wellness passport program, which they can use to earn points as they work toward achieving their fitness goals and attend Nestlé activities, while a total of 7,123 consumers availed of the free Nutrition Counseling where they had their health indicators checked. In addition, 3,000 consumers signed up to become members of the Nestlé Club.

Now on its second year, the I Choose Wellness Expo is a major part of the Company’s continuing, longterm advocacy to promote nutrition, health and wellness to encourage consumers to take responsibility for lifestyle decisions that enhance good nutrition, health and wellness for themselves and their families. “Nestlé, through efforts such as the I Choose Wellness Expo, is championing nutrition, health and wellness for Filipinos as the only company with a range of products that serve the needs of people at all times of the day, through all stages of their lives, from childhood to adulthood,” said NPI Chairman and CEO John Miller in his opening remarks. “The heritage of Nestlé over the last 144 years has been built on providing consumers with products that are tasty, nutritious, and healthy. Nestlé brands are backed by the Company’s extensive research and development capabilities in health and food sciences as well as other related disciplines, which over the years have helped earn the confidence and trust of our consumers.”

Wellness in Different Parts of the House
This year’s I Choose Wellness Expo featured representations of different parts of a typical home where family members spend their time doing various activities and where Nestlé brands can serve as their nutrition, health and wellness partner. These rooms were: Living Room, Entertainment Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Girls’ Room, Boys’ Room, Ate’s Bedroom, Kids’ Playroom, Gym, Den, Lanai, Library, and Garage.

In the Living Room, NESCAFÉ kept consumers entertained with touch screen games and classic parlor games. In the Entertainment Room, NESTLÉ Fruit Selection Yogurt and KITKAT offered free photos and conducted contests that gave away exciting prizes to winners.

The Dining Room gave consumers the chance to experience SJORA products. NESTEA took up the Dining Room Extension, selling branded pitchers filled with free NESTEA drink. MAGGI and NESTLÉ All Purpose Cream reigned in the Kitchen, delighting consumers with cooking demos using Nestlé products.

The Girls’ Room was a sunny shade of NIDO yellow, where consumers were invited to Check the Label and test their skills in reviewing product labels. BEAR BRAND gave life to the Boys’ Room with games that incorporated learning. NESVITA Cereal Milk Drink took up Ate’s Bedroom with sampling and gave consumers the chance to get a free mug and a makeover through product purchases.

Families played to their hearts’ content in the Kids’ Playroom, with CHUCKIE and KOKO KRUNCH mascots joining them. In the Gym, MILO 3in1, NESVITA Pro-Bone, FITNESSE and LOW-FAT offered sampling and challenged consumers to Wii games and a biking game called Rolla Palooza.

NESTLÉ SORBETES saw countless consumers coming to the Den to try its interactive chroma screen dance activity, enticing them with samples of SORBETES along with BEAR BRAND Sterilized. COFFEEMATE was a hit at the Lanai with its photo booth, alongside BEAR BRAND Probiotic’s activities with free samples, NESCAFÉ RTD’s sampling and promos, NESVITA Pro-Heart’s free cholesterol check, and NUTREN’s nutrition counseling. NESTEA Fit and PURINA occupied the Garage area, where consumers had their photos taken with NESTEA Fit Hotties and signed up for free samples of ALPO and FRISKIES for their pets.

Consumers flocked to the Library to sign up for the Wellness Passbook program, a new feature of the Wellness Expo. Here they had their weight and height measured and their blood pressure checked. These measurements were recorded in their Wellness Passbook to serve as their baseline data for pursuing their wellness goals.

Aside from touring the rooms and getting measured, consumers availed of the free Nutrition Counseling at the Counseling Area. A total of 20 nutritionists were on hand to give consumers expert advice on how to achieve their desired wellness goals through proper nutrition.

A selling area was also set up at the Expo where consumers bought Nestlé products. Total sales from the two-day affair, according to Corporate Wellness CMM Trixie Sia, amounted to almost PhP 250,000. According to Corporate Wellness Head Cora Sager, the I Choose Wellness Expo was designed as an enjoyable celebration for people from various walks of life, especially families, to enable them to explore the different ways in which they can pursue wellness in their lives. “We all have to realize that the quality of our wellness lies in our own hands. Only we can make the decisions and take the actions for ourselves that will determine the quality of our lives over the years,” said Cora.

SOURCE: Nestle Family Balita (July 30, 2010)

Nestle to invest 487 million in coffee projects by 2020

NEW YORK — Nestle, the world’s biggest food group, said over the weekend it would invest $487 million in coffee projects by 2020 to help the company optimize its supply chain.


The investment comprises $341 million for Nescafe products and $146 million for its high-end Nespresso, and includes distributing coffee plantlets to farmers, expanding technical assistance and buying directly from growers, the company said in a statement.

This is in addition to the $195 million the Swiss based firm has invested in coffee projects over the past 10 years.

Nestle said it would double the amount of Nescafe coffee bought directly from farmers and their associations, eventually buying an annual 180,000 tons from about 170,000 farmers.

All of the directly purchased green coffee will meet “4C” sustainability standards by 2015, with the support of the Rainforest Alliance and the 4C Association.

The Rainforest Alliance is a non-governmental organization that certifies farms for meeting sustainability criteria The 4C Association, registered in Geneva, works towards sustainability in the coffee sector with a code of conduct and a verification system.

An additional 90,000 tons of Nescafe coffee will be sourced under the principles of the Rainforest Alliance and the Sustainable Agriculture Network, a coalition of conservation groups by 2020 the company said.

“Nestle will distribute 220 million high-yield, disease-resistant coffee plantlets to farmers by 2020”, Nestle said.

Nestle sells instant Nescafe and high-end Nespresso brewed coffee. Instant coffee is typically processed from robusta beans while brewed coffee is most commonly made of blends dominated by arabica beans which are more expensive. - Reuters

Source: BusinessWorld, Reuters

Nestlé Cabuyao Factory Signs New CBA

Cabuyao Factory management and union formally signed a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on July 7 at Bellevue Hotel in Alabang, a significant move towards the manufacturing facility’s realization of its vision to become the lighthouse factory of Nestlé Philippines, Inc. (NPI).


NPI Chairman and CEO John Miller hailed the new CBA as one of the most important achievements of the Company this year. “The new CBA serves as a symbol of how industrial relations should be managed. My vision is that in years to come the relationship between the union and management will be seen as the ‘gold standard’ against which other companies measure their own industrial relations.”

John said he was impressed by the speed with which the agreement has been reached. “I believe this is truly a win-win for all stakeholders as it speaks of two parties keen to engage and find a common ground. But more than anything, I have been deeply struck by the spirit in which the negotiations have been conducted, which is one that has been characterized by mutual respect, trust and openness.”

Noting the atmosphere that prevailed in Cabuyao in the recent past, John added, “Ultimately it is the goodwill that men hold in their hearts that will determine the strength of any agreement. I believe that the foundations that we are laying today are solid and built upon a wealth of goodwill. We all have an important role to play in ensuring that our great Company goes from strength to strength, so that we can deliver on our commitment to our consumers and our customers, namely the delivery of affordable, healthy, nutritious quality products, wherever, whenever and however they choose to consume them.”

Nestlé Cabuyao Workers Union (NCWU) President Jojo Agustin thanked his fellow officers and colleagues for tirelessly working towards improving the welfare of the members, which eventually led to the CBA signing. “I would like to thank management for granting us the new CBA benefits, and more importantly, for recognizing the existence of the newly formed union and for the respect and trust that it has bestowed on us. Rest assured that we, the union officers, will work hard to represent our constituents and raise their concerns to management. In the course of working together, we know that there will be difficult conversations and differing points of view from various stakeholders, but you have our commitment that all these will be done within the context of principled dialogue, trust, and respect.”

Earlier, after signing the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on May 14, 2010, NCWU Vice President Rico Magat, representing the union officers, wrote to Zone AOA Managing Director Frits van Dijk to express the union’s gratitude to Nestlé management for the “successful and historical CBA event.”

“Being part of the CBA union panel, I would say that the Management panel brings a lot of understanding and insight of what a CBA should and should not be all about,” Rico wrote. “We hope that the next CBA will be repeated as it has been concluded, with a lot of listening, a lot of talking, a lot of discussion, laughing, shaking hands, eating, and peaceful and principled ending. With this, we have inspired not only Nestlé Philippines but also the whole world that anything can be achieved through peaceful dialogue and with common minds for a better Nestlé Cabuyao Factory! The Company has displayed once again the genuine concern for its employees. Rest assured that better performance and utmost quality to our work will be done. The Associates of Cabuyao Factory are grateful!”

In his response, Mr. van Dijk cited the union and NPI as a whole for a job well done. “You can well understand that I was particularly pleased to receive this e-mail. Having been very much part of Cabuyao’s history since the mid-80s, this is a very rewarding message.”

Mr. van Dijk also acknowledged the efforts of HR Director Gid Manuel and Cabuyao Factory Manager Craig Thomas. “My thanks to both of you, who I know have been instrumental in getting to this stage, and to all others members of the Nestlé family who were involved. Let us not forget to learn from the past and avoid a build-up of negative elements over time. I wish you success in bringing Nestlé Cabuyao to new heights in the years to come.”

In his message during the CBA signing, Factory Manager Craig Thomas shared how pleased he was that both the union and management panels did not only have the conclusion of the CBA as their goal during the negotiation; rather, both panels were mindful of preserving the harmonious working relationships and the spirit of respect for each other. “The way forward is to honor the contract, but more importantly, to continue collaborating to make Cabuyao Factory a lighthouse factory. While concluding the CBA is indeed a milestone, this also signals the beginning of a new challenge and the unfolding of a new chapter, which will require greater effort and collaboration as we gear for our future success.”

Cabuyao Site HR Head Jun Corpus, who welcomed both panels during the formal CBA signing, cited the highlights of the factory’s transformation journey and acknowledged the role of the Samahang Ugnayan, an association made up of employees who raised concerns during communication meetings and helped execute employee relations programs in the days prior to the certification of the new union as the exclusive bargaining representative. The NCWU was unanimously elected as the sole and exclusive bargaining unit in Cabuyao Factory during the certification election held on January 29, 2010. This led to the CBA negotiations that started in March 2010.

“At the heart of the richness of goodwill that characterizes the new industrial relations climate is a very principled and professional union that believes in dialogue and proactive cooperation as well as in taking care of its constituents,” Jun said.

Led by its president Jojo Agustin, the union panel was composed of vice-president Rico Magat, secretary Angel Solano, treasurer Edgardo Austria, auditor Ed Guevarra, and board members Dexter Castillo, Patrick de Guzman and Resty Conde. The management panel, on the other hand, was headed by its chairman, QA Head Rico Opena, with members composed of Site HR Head Jun Corpus as spokesperson, and line managers and supervisors who acted as resource on shop floor concerns namely, Frank Reyes, Mar Atienza, Manny Alzona, Toto Demonteverde, Dave Velez, and Archie Valencia.

“The future looks very bright for Cabuyao Factory,” beamed Technical Director Campo van Beek. “Over the past few years, Nestlé has kept full trust and confidence in the capabilities of the Cabuyao factory and its people, and we have continued to invest heavily in equipment, infrastructure, and last but not least, in the people of Cabuyao. Even as I speak today, we are engaged in three multi-million dollar projects to upgrade the facilities of Cabuyao Factory, and we are hiring new employees to cope with the increasing volume that we need to produce. We are ready for the future, and Cabuyao is on its way to become one of the top factories in the world.”

SOURCE: Nestle Family Balita (July 30, 2010)

Message from the Chairman and CEO – The Future is in Our Hands (Former Chairman and CEO Nandu Nandkishore)

I would like to begin by thanking all of you for your contributions to the success of Nestlé Philippines today, making it possible for us to achieve our targets and end the year on a high note. 

As I announced in 2007, there have been no new strategies for us in 2008. Instead, we continued building on the basics, and became even more focused on the consumer, innovated and renovated our brands, and flawlessly executed fewer but bigger and better strategies. As a result, we have improved many of our brands’ performances, gained market shares in a number of categories, and addressed issues and problems that came our way. Today, many of our efforts have been recognized by global Nestlé as best practices and more importantly, by our consumers in terms of demand for our products.

I remember our 2008 National Sales Kick-off held early this year, where for the first time in the history of Nestlé Philippines, the shark force of the Ice Cream and Chilled Dairy joined their colleagues from Grocery Retail, Nestlé Nutrition, and Nestlé Professional, with one theme and under one roof. Our 2008 Kick-Off theme was Win as One, which guides us up to this day. Our Win as One message in the Kick-Off was simple— we have to help each other Win as One because a winning team leaves no one behind. 

In 2008, we indeed played to win and we won as ONE Nestlé! Thank you, Team Nestlé. You are the best of the best, and I cannot ask for more.  Please also thank your respective families for me, for their support and for allowing you to work so hard to help strengthen our Company and our brands.

A Busy 2008

It was a busy 2008 for Nestlé Philippines. 

Important Visits. We started the year with the visit of Nestlé S.A. CEO Paul Bulcke, Nestlé S.A. CFO Jim Singh, and Zone AOA Managing Director Frits van Dijk. While in the Philippines, Mr. Bulcke also made a courtesy call on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, where he reiterated the importance of the Philippines to the Nestlé Group and stressed Nestlé’s long-term commitment to a strong presence in the country. 

In February, President Arroyo formally inaugurated the Nestlé Business Services (NBS) AOA in simple ceremonies held at the NBS offices in Meycauayan, Bulacan.

In August, we hosted a breakfast reception for His Excellency, Swiss Confederation President Pascal Couchepin and other officials at the Julius Maggi Kitchen in Nestlé Center. President Couchepin congratulated us for our role in maintaining the country’s position as one of the best and biggest markets of Nestlé in Asia and the whole world. 

Improved Corporate Image. Our corporate image has been improving every year, and I would like to think that this is because the initiatives we have sustained through the years are actually working. 

The recently conducted Corporate Reputation Diagnostic Study (CRED) showed that consumers think even more highly of Nestlé Philippines now compared to last year, associating our Company with nutritious, delicious, high quality and affordable products. According to the study, Nestlé towers above benchmark companies in terms of favorability at 71% compared to last year’s 64%. Nestlé Philippines is still topmost in consumers’ minds when it comes to Wellness and is viewed as the expert and leader in nutrition. 

Awards and Recognition. Our efforts have been noticed by various award-giving bodies both in Nestlé and outside Nestlé. 

The regional rollout of NIDO Nutrition System’s Project Addition in AOA won the Gold in the Nestlé Innovation Awards. As you know, Project Addition was launched in Nestlé Philippines. 

We won the Bronze Trophy in the 2008 Nestlé Corporate Safety at Work Award for a Technical Division project extending CARE audits to co-manufacturers in the country. 

In the recently concluded 2008 Hit Parade, our NESCAFÉ Positively Coffee placed 3rd, our NIDO 3+ Redefining Intelligence placed 5th, and our BEAR BRAND Nutrition to Help Build the Nation placed 7th. Our 4th entry, MILO’s 30 Years of Getting the Nation into NHW, made it to the Top 12. 

Our Field Management Best Pracice (FMBP) Pilot won 4th place in the first ever Business Excellence Awards, emerging as one of the best among 89 BE projects entered from different Nestlé markets worldwide. 

Here at home, we bagged the Gold in the IMMAP’s Boomerang Awards for our NESCAFÉ 3in1 Aliens campaign, the Silver for our NESTLÉ Ice Cream’s “Give-Me-A-Name” contest, and another Silver for our innovative “COFE-MATE Challenge” promo. 

Creating Shared Value. Our first Creating Shared Value Report, which we released in January this year, earned favorable feedback from our government contacts, from Nestlé markets in Asia, and from our colleagues in Vevey. Printed on environment-friendly recycled paper, the 52-page report entitled Nurturing Filipinos, Enhancing the Quality of Life describes the various CSR programs we have sustained through the years. 

Creating Shared Value is our path forward, and is integral to our mission of nurturing generations of Filipino families today and in the many years to come. In 2009, I would like Nestlé Philippines to be more involved in initiatives that create shared value so we can help make a positive difference in the lives of those who need our help the most. 

The Melamine Crisis. Consumers’ concern on melamine peaked in September and October this year, as press reports played up the issue globally. We addressed the melamine issue head-on, in a straightforward manner, through our media releases, our print ads, our materials at point-of-sale, and through our consumer hotline, always assuring our consumers that our products are safe. Our key messages remained consistent all throughout:

• The safety of our consumers is very important to us

• Our products are safe

• Nestlé products are manufactured under high quality control standards and meet all regulatory standards before they are released to the local market

In the wake of the melamine crisis, it was consumer trust that proved to be our most valuable asset. This consumer trust took many years to build, anchored on our strong commitment to quality that dates back to 1866, when Henri Nestlé developed the first cereal milk food for children. As we approach 2009, let us always remember the significant role each one of us plays in protecting this consumer trust, so that we can continue to meet the Nutrition,

Health, and Wellness needs of generations of Filipino families.

A Tough Year Ahead

As we say goodbye to 2008, let us remember to look back to what made us win this year. In 2008, we came together as a team, blended our talents and skills, and proved that we could accomplish far more than we could have achieved as individuals. This year is proof that we work better if we work together. This year, we strengthened our market position to deliver our promise to Win as One. 

By all indications, 2009 promises to be one very tough year. We know that the strength of a house depends on the strength of its foundation. At our very foundation are our strong brands, our vast range of products, our unrivalled system of research and development, our access to a vast library of best practices from other markets which we can borrow with pride, and above all, our competent and committed employees who fully embrace the strong Nestlé corporate culture.

The real test of strength is not in times when the going is smooth; rather, the ultimate test happens in times of crisis. I now call on everyone to close ranks as we face the difficult economic scenario before us. 

We all work hard to provide a better future for our family. And the future of our family depends, to a great extent, on the future of our Company. The future of Nestlé Philippines depends on each of us, on how each of us adds value. The future is in our hands. 

As we end another year, I wish you and your families a very happy Christmas. Enjoy the long holiday break with your families, and come back refreshed for another year of Winning as One.

SOURCE: Nestle Family Balita (December 15, 2008)

Nestle Opens Its 1st Ever Day Care Center

Nestlé Philippines, Inc. (NPI) has unveiled its newest addition to support its Life Balance Program— the CERELAC CARE (Children’s Activity, Recreation, and Education) Center located at Lower Level 1 of the Nestlé Center in Rockwell. 

Inaugurated on October 6, 2008 by Chairman and CEO Nandu Nandkishore, HR Director Gid Manuel, and Chairman of Little Dipper Learning Center Ed Travis, the CERELAC CARE Center provides a venue where children can participate in developmentally appropriate cognitive, physical, social, and emotional activities right at the workplace, while giving employees the opportunity to enjoy quality time with their children during break times at the office. 

Guests from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) graced the inauguration and ribbon-cutting of Nestlé’s first ever day care center. F&C Director Peter Noszek, Liquid Beverages BEM Afnan Ashan, CERELAC CMM Nicola Mayuga, and CHUCKIE CMM Kristy Tesoro also participated in the opening ceremony. 

The CERELAC CARE Center is a child-friendly facility with a number of amenities, such as a rubberized play area with lots of educational materials, giving kids an area to work off their high energy levels, essential in honing their motor skills. Several books, computers, and other learning tools are also available to nurture every child’s cognitive growth. The Center also offers the comforts of home away from home: a nap area with sleeping mats, a baby changing area, restroom and a common shower area for convenience. The Center features the CHUCKIE Fun Room, which can be enclosed for special kiddie functions or learning activities like reading and educational entertainment. 

According to HR Director Gid Manuel, the Company understands the importance of the early years in the development of a child’s values and self-esteem, and is a firm believer that children learn a lot through self-discovery and play. “We recognize that through all these, it is important to nurture the relationship between parent and child. The CERELAC CARE Center gives employees the opportunity to practice responsible parenting during their children’s formative years,” Gid explained. 

An open house was held from October 6 to 10, 2008, so employees’ children could try the facility and experience the fun learning activities offered by the day care center. 

The CERELAC CARE Center offers two sets of class programs for employees’ children aged 2-6 years old. Parents can enroll their children to the half day morning or afternoon classes for PhP2,000 per month, or to whole day classes at PhP4,000 per month. Classes are from Mondays to Fridays.  “The enrollment is good for one school year, which started on November 3, 2008 and will end in March 2009,” volunteered HR Specialist for Employee Relations Marese de Vera, adding that there are now 12 children enrolled. School year next year starts in June, which is aligned with the normal school year. 

Nestlé has partnered with The Little Dipper Learning Center (LDLC) for the regular class programs. LDLC offers a unique program that incorporates technology with the arts as a way to growth and development for young children. It offers a wide range of learning experiences for children, introducing them to a wide variety of interactive settings, helping them discover valuable learning that suit learning styles (visual spatial, auditory, aesthetic, etc.). While the LDLC’s program through the CERELAC CARE Center does not aim to compete with existing pre-school institutions, it does provide quality early child care development programs for employees’ qualified dependents.

SOURCE: Nestle Family Balita (November 15, 2008)

Nandu Leads Bloodletting at MAO

More than 40 MAO employees donated blood to the Philippine National Red Cross on September 30. They were led by Chairman and CEO Nandu Nandkishore, who also marked his 50th birthday on the same day.  Actress Rosa Rosal, Chairperson for the Blood Program Committee of PNRC, witnessed the bloodletting held at the Level 2 Training Rooms in Nestlé Center.

SOURCE: Nestle Family Balita (October 15, 2008)

Swiss President Cites NPI Performance

Nestlé Philippines, Inc. (NPI), led by Chairman and CEO Nandu Nandkishore, hosted a breakfast reception for His Excellency Pascal Couchepin, President of the Swiss Confederation and other officials during their recent visit to the Philippines. 

During the reception held at the Julius Maggi Kitchen in Nestlé Center on August 12, President Couchepin congratulated Nandu for his role in maintaining the country’s position as one of the best and biggest markets of Nestlé in Asia and the whole world. The Philippines is one of the top two markets of Nestlé in Zone Asia-Oceania- Africa (AOA) and among the top 12 worldwide. NPI’s 2007 sales totaled PhP 72.8 billion from PhP 67.2 billion in 2006 for a growth of 8 percent. 

Nandu thanked President Couchepin for recognizing Nestlé Philippines by his visit, saying that the Company, whose products have been available in the country for more than a hundred years, has a long-term commitment to nurture generations of Filipino families through its nutrition, health and wellness products, while contributing to sustained national economic growth and creating shared value practices in the country. 

Other guests at the reception were members of the visiting delegation composed of senior Swiss officials, Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Health Undersecretary Alexander Padilla, Labor Undersecretary Romeo Lagman, PCGG Chairman Camilo Sabio, Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Sutter, Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission Irene Flueckiger, CEOs of other Swiss companies in the country, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines EVP Henry Schumacher, and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Miguel Valera.

SOURCE: Nestle Family Balita (August 30, 2008)

NIDO Gets Gold in Innovation Awards

The regional rollout of NIDO Nutrition System’s Project Addition in AOA won the Gold in the recently concluded Nestlé Innovation Awards, a global competition among Nestlé markets aimed at stimulating ideas for innovation and renovation. Zone AOA markets who have implemented Project Addition include the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, the Middle East, and Malaysia, among others. 

Zone AOA Managing Director Frits van Dijk, who received the award for the Zone at the Market Managers’ Conference held on April 16, 2008 in Switzerland, congratulated Zone AOA markets for the much coveted award. “The successful multi-market introduction of NIDO ‘Addition’ in all your markets is a good example that when we have a BIG idea, we get the markets’ commitment to go all out. All of us in Zone AOA can be proud of this achievement, because it shows Best Practice in action,” Mr. van Dijk said in a communication to Zone AOA market heads, who also each received a trophy during the Conference. NPI Chairman and CEO Nandu Nandkishore received the award for Nestlé Philippines. 

An annual recognition program, the Nestlé Innovation Awards 2008 encourages innovation and renovation among Nestlé markets to drive growth and to incorporate Nutrition, Health and Wellness (NHW) in the Company’s products and brands. 

Project Addition, launched in Nestlé Philippines in 2006, involved adding Probiotics (Lactobacillus PROTECTUS®) to the NIDO Nutrition System (Growing Up Milks range) to provide more protection as it strengthens the immune system. 

“This SBU initiative, which drew from the Nestlé extensive research on and knowledge of Probiotics, solidified the NIDO positioning of ‘protection’, allowing the brand unique differentiation in the markets,” explained NIDO Consumer Marketing Manager Leslie Go-Alcantara. It was the SBU who requested the Philippines to launch Project Addition. The resulting campaign of the Philippines was rolled out to other Nestlé markets in Zone AOA in 2007. 

“This Gold Award is something that we can be truly proud of,” shared DHNS Business Executive Manager Eugene David. “Like the 10 Signs of Good Nutrition, which we also started in the Philippines and eventually rolled out to other markets, the Philippine campaign was borrowed with pride by other markets. This showcases our way forward, that we can truly collaborate and leverage the strength of Research & Development with fewer, bigger and bolder initiatives.” Last year, NIDO Fortified’s 10 Signs of Good Nutrition won the 2nd prize in the 60/40 Hit Parade. 

Innovation Award winners were judged based on four major criteria: focus on NHW opportunities; leveraging our major brands; premiumization; and profitable growth through bigger, bolder and better innovations. This year’s distinguished panel of judges include EVP and Head of Technology, Research & Development Werner Bauer; Head of Zone AOA Frits van Dijk; Head of Zone Americas Paul Polman; Head of Zone Europe Luis Cantarell; F&C Group Control Head Kevin Berryman; Head of Corporate Wellness Unit Christianne Kuehne; Head of Nestlé Professional SBU Marc Caira; Nestlé Nutrition CEO Richard Laube; Nestlé Waters CEO John Harris; CO-Supply Chain Head Tony Borg; Nestlé Research Center Head Peter van Bladeren; EVP for SBUs, Marketing and Sales Lars Olofsson; and Head of IMD Peter Lorange. 

Other Innovation Awards winners were: CEO Awardee NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto for Zone Europe and Japan; Silver Awardees NAN/GOOD START/NIDINA/NIDAL/BEBA premium infant formula (worldwide); MILO Relaunch (Malaysia); and BENEFUL prepared meals (North America). Bronze awardees were PURINA Veterinary Diets Fortiflora (North America); NIDO Rindes Diario affordable milk (Mexico); MAGGI Taste Bhi Health Bhi (India); MAGGI/Winiary Recipe Mixes (Russia and Poland); and NESPRESSO Boutiques (worldwide).

SOURCE: Nestle Family Balita (May 30, 2008)