Food and beverage company
World's #1 food and beverage company. World's #1 coffee company. Its pet food, bottled water and baby food businesses are also amongst the largest in the world. Founded in Switzerland in 1866 by Henri Nestl.
Company Assessment
(Last updated Nov 2024)
Praise
Criticism
Information
Nestle SA
Praise
Criticism
Information
CDP Climate Change score of A-
In 2023, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) asked companies to provide data about their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change risk. Responding companies are scored across four key areas: disclosure; awareness; management; and leadership. This company received a CDP Climate Change score of A-.
Source: CDP
(2023)
Climate policy engagement
This company appears on InfluenceMap's 2021 A-List of Climate Policy Engagement, which identifies 15 corporate leaders advocating for ambitious climate policy across a range of sectors and regions. To qualify, a company must exhibit sufficient support for ambitious climate policy, strategic levels of engagement with climate policy, and leadership in its sector. Links to industry associations egregiously opposing climate policy can disqualify a company from the list. Only 4% of companies evaluated make the A-List.
Source: Influence Map
(2021)
15/20 in Social Benchmark
The 2024 Social Benchmark assesses the world's 2,000 most influential companies on their responsibility in meeting society's fundamental expectations towards three measurement areas: respecting human rights, providing decent work, and acting ethically. This company was assessed in 2023 and received a score of 15/20. The average score was an alarmingly low 4.6/20 and the highest score was 15.5/20.
65.6% in Food and Agriculture Benchmark
The 2023 Food and Agriculture Benchmark assessed 350 keystone companies across the entirety of the food system, from farm to fork. It covers three dimensions where transformation is needed: nutrition, environment and social inclusion. This company ranked #2/350, with a total score of 65.6/100.
54.1% in Nature Benchmark
The Nature Benchmark ranks 816 companies across 20 industries on their efforts to protect our environment and its biodiversity. Companies were assessed in three phases between 2022 and 2024 using three measurement areas: governance and strategy; social inclusion and community impact; and ecosystems and biodiversity. This company was assessed in 2023 and is ranked #2/816, with a total score of 54.1/100.
CDP Forests score of B
In 2023, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) asked companies to provide data about their efforts towards removing commodity-driven deforestation and forest degradation from its direct operations and supply chains. Responding companies are scored across four key areas: disclosure; awareness; management; and leadership. This company received a CDP Forests score of B.
Source: CDP
(2023)
66.5% in Forest 500 Rankings
Forest 500 identifies the 350 companies and 150 financial institutions with the greatest exposure to tropical deforestation risk, and annually assesses them on the strength and implementation of their deforestation and human rights commitments. This company received a score of 66.5%.
Source: Forest 500
(2023)
Palm oil rating - WAZA
The PalmOil Scan app, produced by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), rates companies on their commitment to sourcing sustainable palm oil. Companies are scored on their use of certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO), commitment to sourcing CSPO, on-the-ground conservation action, and membership to the RSPO. Companies can earn a rating of Excellent, Good, Poor or No Commitment. This company is rated "Good" (retrieved 18 Nov 2023).
Source: WAZA
(2023)
CDP Water Security score of B
In 2023, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) asked companies to provide data about their efforts to manage and govern freshwater resources. Responding companies are scored on six key metrics: transparency; governance & strategy; measuring & monitoring; risk assessment; targets & goals; and value chain engagement. This company received a CDP Water Security score of B.
Source: CDP
(2023)
34.3% in Human Rights Benchmark
The 2022 Corporate Human Rights Benchmark assessed 127 companies in the food and agriculture, ICT and automotive manufacturing sectors on their human rights performance. This company received a score of 34.3%. The overall average score was a disappointing 17.3% and the highest score was 50.3%.
40.4% in Gender Benchmark
The 2023 Gender Benchmark ranks 112 companies from the apparel and food and agriculture sectors on their efforts to drive gender equality and women's empowerment across their entire value chain. Companies are assessed on governance and strategy, representation, compensation and benefits, health and well-being, violence and harassment, and marketplace and community. This company ranked #10/112, with a total score of 40.4%. The average score was 23% and the highest score was 55%.
Access to Nutrition rating
The Global Access to Nutrition Index 2024 assessed 30 of the world's largest food and beverage manufacturers on their performance to improve access to nutritious foods. Companies are assessed on the nutritional quality of their product portfolios in 25 global markets, plus policies, practices, and transparency relating to nutrition. Of the 30 companies ranked, this company came 9th.
Boycott call for infant formula
Nestle is the target of a boycott because it contributes to the unnecessary death and suffering of infants around the world by aggressively marketing baby foods in breach of international marketing standards. Nestle is singled out for boycott action by Baby Milk Action as monitoring shows it to be responsible for more violations of the requirements than any other company.
Delaying action on plastic pollution
The Talking Trash 2020 report by Changing Markets investigates the corporate playbook of false solutions to the plastic crisis. It found that the industry is actively delaying and derailing ambitious action on plastic pollution in its fight to maintain business as usual for as long as possible. For example, this company is signed up to 7 nice-sounding voluntary initiatives to address plastic waste, while also participating in 8 industry associations which lobby against legislation that could restrict plastic, or make corporations responsible for managing the waste they create, financially or otherwise.
Source: Changing Markets
(2020)
Palm oil sourcing in Indonesia
A 2022 BBC News, Mongabay and the Gecko Project released a joint investigation that looked into a scheme that was intended to help lift millions of Indonesians out of poverty and cut them in on the spoils of the global palm oil boom, but has instead been plagued by allegations of exploitation and illegality. They identified 13 companies, including this one, that have sourced palm oil from producers alleged to have withheld plasma (a portion of large-scale plantations to be shared with local communities), or the profits from plasma, from Indonesian communities over the past eight years. The losses suffered across Indonesia by communities owed plasma could stretch into the hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Protests by local tribes over plasma are violently suppressed by Indonesian authorities.
Source: Mongabay
(2022)
Plastic pollution
Every year from 2018 to 2023, Break Free From Plastic has identified the world's top plastic-polluting corporations. In 2023 Break Free From Plastic engaged 8,804 volunteers in 41 countries to conduct 250 brand audits. These volunteers collected and audited 537,719 pieces of plastic waste. This company has ranked as one of the world's top four plastic polluters 6 years in a row.
Source: #breakfreefromplastic
(2023)
Slave labour in Brazil
Investigations into Brazil's coffee industry by Denmark-based Danwatch revealed debt bondage, child labour, deadly pesticides, a lack of protective equipment, and workers without contracts. This company sources coffee beans from Brazilian plantations and admits that it is possible that coffee from plantations with poor labour conditions ended up in their products.
Source: Danwatch
(2016)
Control of water in North America
Across North America, Nestle is staking claim to community water resources. In the worst cases, Nestle's water grab is ruining streams, ponds, wells and aquifers. And in all cases, Nestle's practices are raising serious questions about who should be allowed to control water, our most essential resource, and to what end.
Source: Corporate Accountability
(2020)
Deforestation in Africa
A 2017 investigation by Mighty Earth, "Chocolate's Dark Secret," found that a large amount of the cocoa used in chocolate produced by major chocolate companies, including this one, is grown illegally in national parks and other protected areas in Ivory Coast and Ghana. The countries are the world's two largest cocoa producers. The report documents how in several national parks and other protected areas, 90% or more of the land mass has been converted to cocoa. Less than four percent of Ivory Coast remains densely forested.
Source: Mighty Earth
(2017)
D grade in Keep Forests Standing report
Rainforest Action Network's 2023 report and scorecard "Keep Forests Standing" assessed 10 brands on their efforts to address their contribution to the destruction of forests, ongoing land grabs, and violence against local and Indigenous communities. This company received a 'D' grade in the evaluation.
Source: RAN
(2023)
"Net zero" greenwash
'The Big Con' is a 2021 report by Corporate Accountability, Friends of the Earth and others that makes clear that Big Polluters' idea of "net zero" is part of their continued plan to protect deeply unjust global systems, distract from taking the real action needed, and to evade responsibility for the climate crisis and to continue to pollute. This company was named in the report as one whose "net zero" climate commitments are anything but real action.
Source: Corporate Accountability
(2021)
Unsustainable palm oil use
This company scores Ethical Consumer's worst rating for their use of palm oil, signifying they are using no or minimal certified palm products, and with no or minimal positive commitments.
Source: Ethical Consumer
(2023)
Palm oil from illegal sources
A 2022 investigation by the Rainforest Action Network (RAN) found that major consumer goods companies, including this one, have been purchasing palm oil from mills that have continued to source palm oil resulting from the illegal clearing of lowland rainforests within the nationally protected Rawa Singkil Wildlife Reserve in the Leuser Ecosystem, Indonesia.
Source: RAN
(2022)
Promotion of bottled water
Nestle has been criticised for the promotion of bottled water and undermining local control of water supplies in communities by turning water into a profit driven commodity.
Source: Bottled Life
(2015)
7/27 in pesticides scorecard
Over the last 60 years farming has become dependent on the intensive use of chemicals. As You Sow's 2021 report, Pesticides in the Pantry, examines the growing risks posed by the use of synthetic pesticides in agricultural supply chains to food manufacturers, and scores companies on their efforts to reduce pesticide use in their supply chains. Scores ranged from 16 to 0, with an average score of 7.5. This company received a score of 7/27.
Source: As You Sow
(2021)
Illegal baby food trials in India
In 2019, in complete violation of the law, Nestle conducted clinical trials on 75 premature babies in five Indian hospitals on substitutes for breast milk. The objective of the study was to assess the growth and feeding intolerance in preterm infants.
Source: news article
(2019)
Exploitative purchasing practices
In May 2024 Investor Advocates for Social Justice and investors representing more than $8.8 trillion USD called on chocolate companies, including this one, to use their purchasing power to ensure West African cocoa farmers receive a living income for their cocoa. Chocolate companies continue to profit off the backs of child laborers, with an estimated 1.56 million children working on cocoa plantations in Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire, where 60% of global cocoa supply is produced. Systemic poverty in the region is a driver of child labor, deforestation, and other human rights abuses in the cocoa sector. Despite chocolate companies' commitments over the decades to eradicate child labor, little progress has been made.
Source: IASJ
(2024)
21.2% in BMS Marketing Index
The BMS Marketing Index 2024 assesses how well companies making breast-milk substitutes (BMS) are following international guidelines for marketing their products. The Index aims to ensure marketing practices don't discourage breastfeeding. This company scored 21.2%. The highest score was 37% and the average score was a disappointing 10%.
Tier 5 in farm animal welfare rankings
The Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare (BBFAW) 2023 Report ranks global food companies on their farm animal welfare policies, practices and performance. This company appeared in tier 5, "On the business agenda but limited evidence of implementation", with tier 1 being the best, and tier 6 the worst.
Source: BBFAW
(2023)
Nanoparticles in baby formula
Independent testing commissioned by Friends of the Earth in 2015 found potentially harmful nanoparticles in popular baby formulas sold throughout the USA, including products by this company. A growing body of scientific research demonstrates that nanoparticles pose threats to human health, raising concerns about their use in food and many other consumer products.
Source: FOE
(2015)
39/100 S&P Global ESG Score
This company received an S&P Global ESG Score of 39/100 in the Food Products category of the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment, an annual evaluation of companies' sustainability practices (last updated 18 Nov 2022). The rankings are based on an analysis of corporate economic, environmental and social performance, assessing issues such as corporate governance, risk management, environmental reporting, climate strategy, human rights and labour practices.
Source: S&P Global
(2022)
Soy scorecard 2016 - WWF
The WWF Soy Scorecard 2016 rates companies on their use of responsible soy, grown without damaging the environment and harming people. This company failed to respond to requests for information.
Source: WWF Soy Scorecard 2016
(2016)
Palm oil from Wilmar
A 2016 report by Amnesty International found a range of labour rights abuses on the palm oil plantations operated by Wilmar's subsidiaries and suppliers in Indonesia. These abuses include worst forms of child labour, forced labour, discrimination against women workers, people being paid below the minimum wage, and workers suffering injuries from toxic chemicals. The report confirms that Nestle purchases palm oil from Wilmar. [Listed under Information due to age of report]
Source: Amnesty Intl
(2016)
Palm oil sourcing
In the 2018 Greenpeace report "The Final Countdown", this company was identified as sourcing palm oil from at least 20 of the 25 dirty palm oil producers identified in the report. In addition to deforestation, the 25 individual cases in the report include evidence of exploitation and social conflicts, illegal deforestation, development without permits, plantation development in areas zoned for protection and forest fires linked to land clearance. [Listed under Information due to age of report]
Source: Greenpeace
(2018)
Previous link with Mugabe
The South African civil rights initiative, AfriForum, launched an international campaign calling on people to boycott all Nestle products, unless Nestle decided by 7 October 2009 to stop buying milk from Grace Mugabe, wife of the Zimbabwean dictator, Robert Mugabe. From 4 October 2009, Nestle stopped buying any milk from Grace Mugabe.
Source: The Telegraph
(2009)
Workers rights: freedom to organise (2009)
This International Labor Rights Forum report highlights corporations known for violating workers' freedom of association and right to organise. This company was selected on the basis of their ties to violence against trade unions and suppression of the universal right to organise. [listed under Information due to age of report]
Source: ILRF
(2009)
Update on Nestle - briefing 2014
Specifics on why target Nestle is the continued target of the boycott; and a look at what Nestle does and does not do in the light of what it says it does.
Source: Baby Milk Action
(2014)
Film: Formula For Disaster (2007)
The film Formula For Disaster (2007) highlighted many of the problems. Including how baby food companies undermine breastfeeding, the conditions under which mothers are using formula, company promotions and health workers explaining the pressure they are under to recommend company products.
Source: U-tube
(2007)
Guardian report, Bangladesh (2007)
The Guardian ran a report (2007)'Milking it' by Joanna Moorhead who travelled to Bangladesh to investigate whether Nestle and other baby milk firms were still using aggressive marketing tactics in Bangladesh and found them to be still pushing their product on mothers.
Source: Guardian Weekly
(2007)
Alledged unethical marketing practices
In early 1997, Syed Aamar Raza a Medical Delegate for Nestle in Pakistan, responsible for promoting breastmilk substitutes and infant cereals, resigned from his job. Six months later he issued his former employers a Legal Notice (dated 12/11/1997), attaching nearly 80 pages of evidence of the company's unethical marketing practices. These alleged practises included bribing doctors to recommend Nestle products, being paid commission on his sales, something banned under the code and handing out samples at baby shows.
Source: Baby Milk Action
(1997)
Response to the Four point plan
Nestle refuse to agree to Baby Milk Action's four point plan. The four point plan was put to Nestle in 2001 as a way to call off the international boycott on Nestle products. Nestle rejected the plan immediately and since 2005 have refuse to debate the issue. See the plan and Nestle's response.
Source: Baby Milk Action
(2012)
Irresponsible BMS marketing
This company is named and shamed in IBFAN's 2017 report, 'Breaking the Rules, Stretching the Rules 2017', evidence of violations of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes (BMS), compiled from June 2014 to June 2017. The report covers 792 Code violations from 79 countries and by 28 companies. [Listed under Information due to age of report]
Source: IBFAN
(2017)
Corporate Criminals Alumni
This company appeared on Global Exchange's list of Top Ten Corporate Criminals Alumni for unnecessarily marketing infant formula to nursing mothers, pushing bottled water sales, and failing to stop child labor in cocoa fields. [Listed under Information due to age of report]
Source: Global Exchange
(2018)
Animal Testing
In 2015 Cruelty Free International exposed cruel animal tests carried out by Danone, Nestle and Yakult, presumably so that the companies could market health claims about their products. [Listed under Information due to age of report]
Nanoparticles in food products
This 2014 report by Friends of the Earth documents a tenfold increase in unregulated, unlabeled "nanofood" products on the American market since 2008. The report named this company among those with products containing unlabeled nano-ingredients. These nanomaterials differ significantly from larger particles of the same chemical composition, and new studies are adding to a growing body of scientific evidence indicating they may be more toxic to humans and the environment.
Source: FOE
(2014)
Price fixing in Germany
In Feb 2013 eleven chocolate companies including Nestle and Kraft were fined over 60m euros ($82m) for colluding to raise chocolate prices in Germany, while price fixing investigations continue in the US and Canada.
Source: news article
(2013)
Land grabs in Africa
This company has signed a letter of intent (https://bit.ly/2rdBlwn) to participate in the New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition, which claims will lift 50 million people in Africa out of poverty by 2022. But according to a 2015 report by ActionAid, the scheme will benefit multinational companies at the expense of small-scale farmers and is likely to increase poverty and inequality in Africa. Launched in 2012, the New Alliance provides aid money from rich countries like the US and the UK, and helps big business invest in the African agricultural sector. But in return, African countries are required to change their land, seed and trade rules in favour of big business. The New Alliance will: Make it easier for big corporations to grab land in Africa: Prevent farmers from breeding, saving and exchanging seeds: Heavily promote chemical fertilisers and pesticides, which increase farmers’ risk of debt as well as damaging the environment and farmers' health: Replace family farms with low paid, insecure jobs; and Prevent countries from restricting crop exports, even at times of domestic shortage.
Source: Action Aid
(2015)
Cancelled Sinar Mas contracts
In 2010 Nestle responded to Greenpeace evidence of the Sinar Mas group's destructive practices by cancelling their contracts with the Indonesian palm oil and paper giant. Greenpeace has documented Sinar Mas repeatedly breaking industry guidelines, Indonesian law and its own public statements, razing rainforests to the ground in its race to produce palm oil.
Source: Greenpeace
(2010)
Climate action commitments
As listed on the We Mean Business website, this company has committed to the following climate action initiatives: adopt a science-based emissions reduction target; put a price on carbon; commit to 100% renewable power; responsible corporate engagement in climate policy; report climate change information in mainstream reports as a fiduciary duty.
Source: We Mean Business
(2021)
FLA Accredited
When joining the Fair Labor Association (FLA) this company committed to promoting and complying with international labor standards throughout their supply chain. The FLA does not accredit the company itself; rather, they accredit the company's labor compliance program. Being granted accreditation implies that their workplace standards program is substantially in compliance with the FLA Code.
Source: Fair Labor Association
(2016)
Gender equality
This company appears on the 2023 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, signifying a commitment to supporting gender equality through policy development, representation, and transparency.
Source: Bloomberg
(2023)
Animal welfare commitments
In 2014 Nestle announced a comprehensive and ambitious animal welfare program, which will cleanse its supply chain of the following practices: confinement of sows in gestation crates, calves in veal crates and egg-laying chickens in cages; the forced rapid growth of chickens used for meat products; and the harsh cutting of the horns, tails and genitals of farm animals without painkillers.
Source: Humane Society of the US
(2014)
Sustainable Agriculture Initiative member
This company is a member of the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) Platform, the main food industry initiative supporting the development of sustainable agriculture worldwide. Created by Nestle, Unilever and Danone in 2002, the SAI Platform is a non-profit organization to facilitate sharing, at precompetitive level, of knowledge and initiatives to support the development and implementation of sustainable agriculture practices involving the different stakeholders of the food chain.
Source: SAI Platform
(2023)
World Cocoa Foundation member
This company is a member of the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF), an international membership organization representing more than 100 member companies across the cocoa value chain. WCF is committed to creating a sustainable cocoa economy through economic & social development and environmental stewardship in cocoa-growing communities.
Source: World Cocoa Foundation
(2024)
Sustainability strategy
Deloitte developed a Zero Impact Growth Monitor that was used in 2012 to assess and rank 65 different companies' attempts to become more sustainable. Six companies reached the 'Ecosystem' level: Puma, Nike, Nestle, Natura, Unilever and Ricoh. These pioneering companies have not only set measurable and ambitious mid- to long-term targets (beyond 2020), but have also embedded their sub-policies in a holistic strategic vision of their attempt to minimize their negative environmental and societal impacts.
Source: Deloitte
(2012)
Commitments by 2020
In March 2013 Nestle published "a set of forward-looking commitments to society and on environment sustainability it aims to meet by 2020 or earlier." The company has identified 30 goals in the areas of nutrition, water, rural development, sustainability and compliance in its new report, 'Nestle in Society: Creating Shared Value and meeting our commitments 2012'.
Source: company website
(2013)
Sustainable Brands member
This company is a Bronze Member of the Sustainable Brands Network, the leading peer to peer, learning and networking group designed to support brands in meeting their sustainability goals and ultimately become those leaders of the next sustainable economy.
Source: Sustainable Brands
(2018)
Bonsucro member
This company is a member of Bonsucro - Better Sugar Cane Initiative, a global non-profit, multi-stakeholder organisation fostering the sustainability of the sugarcane sector through its leading metric-based certification scheme and its support for continuous improvement for members.
Source: Bonsucro
(2019)
How2Recycle member
This company is a member of How2Recycle. The How2Recycle Label is a voluntary, standardized labeling system that clearly communicates recycling instructions to the public. It involves a coalition of forward thinking brands who want their packaging to be recycled and are empowering consumers through smart packaging labels. Companies must be a member of the program to use the How2Recycle Label.
Source: How2Recycle
(2023)
Plastics Commitment signatory
This company is a signatory to the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, whose goal is to eliminate plastic pollution at its source.
Source: New Plastics Economy
(2022)
Cocoa & Forests Initiative signatory
This company is a member of the Cocoa & Forests Initiative, demonstrating a commitment to no further conversion of any forest land for cocoa production in Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire. On March 2019, thirty-three company signatories, accounting for about 85% of global cocoa usage, released detailed individual action plans. The action plans focus on forest protection and restoration, sustainable cocoa production and farmers' livelihoods, and community engagement and social inclusion.
Source: World Cocoa Foundation
(2020)
US Plastics Pact signatory
This company is a signatory to the US Plastics Pact, a collaborative effort organized by The Recycling Partnership and the World Wildlife Fund, launched as part of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's global Plastics Pact network to unify diverse public-private stakeholders across the plastics value chain to rethink the way we design, use, and reuse plastics, to create a path forward to realize a circular economy for plastic in the United States. In line with the Ellen McArthur Foundation's vision of a circular economy for plastics, which unites more than 850+ organizations, the US Plastics Pact brings together companies, government entities, NGOs, researchers, and other stakeholders to work collectively toward scalable solutions tailored to the unique needs and challenges within the U.S. landscape, through vital knowledge sharing and coordinated action.
Source: US Plastics Pact
(2023)
B Corp certification
Certified B Corporations, or B Corps, are companies verified by B Lab to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. The B Impact Assessment measures a company?s practices and outcomes in five areas: governance, workers, community, the environment, and customers. Nestle's global Nespresso business has a B Impact Score of 84.3 and has held B Corp Certification since April 2022. The median score for businesses is 50.9, with a score of 80 required for B Corp Certification.
Source: B Lab
(2024)
Global Plastics Treaty endorsee
In 2022 after more than 170 nations backed a historic UN resolution to end plastic pollution, global businesses across the plastics value chain, financial institutions, and NGOs came together to announce a common vision for an effective and ambitious Global Treaty to End Plastic Pollution. The vision will form the basis for future policy engagements with governments through a newly launched Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty which will be convened by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and WWF. This company has endorsed the vision statement of the treaty.
Source: Global Plastics Treaty
(2023)
Ellen MacArthur Foundation strategic partner
This company is a strategic partner of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, whose stated mission is to accelerate the transition to a circular economy. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation works with business, government and academia to build a framework for an economy that is restorative and regenerative by design.
Greenpeace targets Nestle in palm oil campaign
Greenpeace launched a campaign in March 2010 asserting that Nestle, maker of Kit Kat, uses palm oil from companies that are trashing Indonesian rainforests, threatening the livelihoods of local people and pushing orang-utans towards extinction. Two months later Nestle announced a commitment to stop using products that come from rainforest destruction.
Source: Greenpeace
(2010)
38.86% for supply chain practices in China
The Green Supply Chain Corporate Information Transparency Index (CITI) evaluates consumer-facing companies that have a sizeable supply chain in China. The evaluation uses government supervision data and public information to assess the environmental management of their supply chains in China. This company received a score of 38.86/100 (retrieved 24 Nov 2023).
Source: IPE
(2023)
34.6% in methane scorecard
The livestock sector is the single largest contributor to man-made methane emissions. Even though rapid reductions of methane emissions are needed to slow the rate of global warming, the largest meat and dairy corporations are oblivious to the problem. Changing Markets' 2021 report 'Blindspot' investigated the policies and actions of 20 meat and dairy giants to reduce their methane emissions. This company scored 34.6/100 for their methane policy and actions.
Source: Changing Markets
(2021)
C+ grade in Plastic Promises Scorecard
As You Sow's 2024 Plastic Promises Scorecard measures the corporate ambition and action of 225 large companies across six industries on six core pillars of plastic packaging pollution prevention: 1) Recyclability, 2) Reduction, 3) Recycled Content, 4) Recovery, 5) Reuse, and 6) Producer Responsibility. This company received a grade of C+.
Source: As You Sow
(2024)
Palm oil scorecard - WWF
The 2024 WWF Palm Oil Buyers Scorecard evaluates the progress and performance of 285 major retailers and manufacturer companies, focusing on actions companies have taken to ensure their own palm oil supply chain is sustainable and free of deforestation, natural ecosystem conversion, and human rights abuse. This company is rated 'middle of the pack' with a score of 16.15 out of a possible total of 24.
Source: WWF Palm Oil Scorecard
(2024)
Nestle's response
According to the Nestle website, Nestle agrees with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other leading medical and health associations that breast-milk is the best and most natural food for babies. Nestle also supports the WHO/UNICEF's Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding and Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. [Note, despite these statements, Nestle refuse to agree to Baby Milk Action's four point plan. The four point plan was put to Nestle in 2001 as a way to call off the international boycott on Nestle products.]
Source: Nestle website
(2013)
36/100 in KnowTheChain Benchmark
In 2023 KnowTheChain benchmarked 60 food and beverage companies on their efforts to identify and tackle forced labour risks in their supply chains. This company received a score of 36/100. The average score was a disappointing 16/100 and the highest score was 56/100.
Source: KnowTheChain
(2023)
Modern Slavery statement
California, the UK and Australia have all enacted legislation requiring companies operating within their borders to disclose their efforts to eradicate modern slavery from their operations and supply chains. Follow the link to see this company's disclosure statement.
Source: company website
(2021)
Chocolate scorecard
Be Slavery Free's 2024 Chocolate Scorecard rates all the major chocolate companies on their labour and environmental policies and practices. Companies were asked questions in six areas: traceability and transparency; living income; child labor; deforestation and climate; agroforestry; and pesticides. This company received a yellow rating: "Progressing in policy and practice."
Source: Be Slavery Free
(2024)
OpenSecrets.org profile
OpenSecrets.org tracks the influence of money on U.S. politics, and how that money affects policy and citizens' lives. Follow link to see this company's record of political donations, lobbying, outside spending and more.
Source: Open Secrets
(2024)
Investment in nanotechnology
Friends of the Earth's 2014 report "Tiny Ingredients, Big Risks" names this company as one of over 200 transnational food companies engaged in nanotechnology research and development, and on their way to commercializing products. New studies are adding to a growing body of scientific evidence indicating nanomaterials may be toxic to humans and the environment.
Source: FOE
(2014)
57.1% in Newsweek Green Ranking 2017
This company received a score of 57.1/100 in the Newsweek Green Ranking 2017, which ranks the world's largest publicly traded companies on eight indicators covering energy, greenhouse gases, water, waste, fines and penalties, linking executive pay to sustainability targets, board-level committee oversight of environmental issues and third-party audits. Ranking methodology by Corporate Knights and HIP Investor.
Source: Newsweek
(2017)
Corporate Rap Sheet
The Corporate Research Project's Corporate Rap Sheets are dossiers summarising the most significant crimes, violations and other questionable activities of the world's largest and most controversial companies. Follow link to see this company's Corporate Rap Sheet. "One of the world's most controversial corporations. For more than two decades the Nestle name was widely associated with a controversy, including a longstanding boycott, over its marketing of infant formula in poor countries. More recently, the company has been one of the primary targets of the global movement against the bottled water industry. The company's hard-line labor relations practices in poor countries have made it a villain in the eyes of the international union movement."
Facing Finance profile
This company is listed on the Facing Finance website as a company that manufactures weapons or profits from violations of human rights, pollution, corruption, or international law. Follow link for further details.
Source: Facing Finance
(2014)
Company Details
Type:
Public company
Founded:
1866
Revenue:
83.2 billion EUR
(2019)
Employees:
352,000
(2019)
Subsidiaries:
The Better Health Company
Health and wellness
New Zealand-based company established in 2008 which owns GO Healthy New Zealand, GO Healthy Australia, New Zealand Health Manufacturing and Egmont Honey. GO Healthy is one of New Zealand's biggest selling vitamin brands. Acquired by Nestle in 2022.
Nestle Australia Ltd
Food and beverages manufacturer
Previously Australian-owned brands bought by Nestle include Supercoat pet food and Uncle Tobys in 2006.
Froneri International plc
(50% owned)
Ice cream
Joint venture between Nestle and PAI Partners which started in 2016. Operates in Europe, the Middle East, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, the Philippines and South Africa.
Australasian Food Group Pty Ltd
Ice cream manufacturing
Peters Ice Cream was founded in 1907 by Fred Peters. Over the years there have been several changes of ownership. In 1995 Peters was acquired by Nestle Australia. In 2012 Peters was bought by Australasian Food Group, a company owned by Pacific Equity Partners, who sold the business to European company R&R Ice Cream two years later. Then in 2016 the company became part of a UK-based 50:50 joint venture between Nestle and R&R Ice Cream.
Cereal Partners Worldwide SA
(50% owned)
Cereal makers
World's #2 cereal maker. 50:50 joint-venture between Nestle and General Mills, with sales in over 130 countries worldwide. Acquired Uncle Tobys cereal division in 2006.
Cereal Partners Australia Pty Ltd
Cereal maker
Australia's #2 cereal maker. Acquired Uncle Tobys from Goodman Fielder in 2006. Cereal Partners is a 50:50 joint-venture between Nestle and General Mills.
Uncle Tobys Foods Pty Ltd
Cereal and snack foods maker
Uncle Toby's brand and associated brands was bought by Nestle Australia from Goodman Fielder in 2006.
L'Oreal SA
(20% owned)
Cosmetics and beauty products maker
World's #1 beauty products company, and the top nanotechnology patent-holder in USA. Its ownership is split among several entities, including Nestle as a large stakeholder.
L'Oreal Australia Pty Ltd
Cosmetics Wholesaling
Australian subsidiary established in 1934. L'Oreal do not manufacture in Australia.
Urban Decay Cosmetics LLC
Cosmetics
Previously owned by LVMH who sold it to Falic Group, who sold it to private equity firm Castanea Partners, who sold it to L'Oreal in Nov 2012.
Aesop Retail Pty Ltd
Personal care products
Founded in Melbourne in 1987. Available in 28 countries. Brazil's Natura acquired a 65% stake in 2012, and became full owners in 2016. Natura sold Aesop to L'Oreal in 2023 for US$2.5 billion.
Galderma SA
(10% owned)
Skin care products
Galderma was founded in 1981 as a joint venture between L'Oreal and Nestle. Nestle took over full ownership in 2014, and then sold Galderma to a consortium of private institutional investors in 2019. Galderma is a global specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated exclusively to the field of dermatology. They operate manufacturing plants in France, Canada, Sweden and Brazil. Became a public company in March 2024.
Galderma Australia Pty Ltd
Skin care products
Galderma is a global specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated exclusively to the field of dermatology. Created in 1981 as a joint venture between Nestle and L'Oreal, Nestle took over full ownership in 2014, and then sold Galderma to a consortium of private institutional investors in 2019.
Contact Details
Products / Brands
The Better Health Company
GO Healthy
Vitamins
Acqua Panna
Sparkling Water
Aero
Chocolate
★ UTZ Certified
Allens
Sweets & Lollies
Allens
Mints & Gum
Andronicus
Coffee
Anticol
Lozenges
Anticol
Cold & Flu
Baci
Chocolate
★ UTZ Certified
Beneful
Dog Food
Bonnie
Dog Food
Branston
Pickles, Chutney & Relish
Buitoni
Pasta Sauce
Butter Menthol
Lozenges
Carnation
Milk
Caro
Milk Flavouring
Cerelac
Baby Food
Chokito
Chocolate
★ UTZ Certified
Club
Chocolate
★ UTZ Certified
Coffeemate
Milk Flavouring
Country Cup
Soup
Crunch
Chocolate
★ UTZ Certified
Dentalife
Dog Treats
Dolce Gusto
Coffee
Fancy Feast
Cat Food
Felix
Cat Food
Friskies
Cat Food
Fruit Tingles
Sweets & Lollies
Gobstopper
Sweets & Lollies
GoCat
Cat Food
Golden Rough
Chocolate
★ UTZ Certified
Harvest Gourmet
Vegetarian & Vegan
International Roast
Coffee
Jaffas
Milk Flavouring
K9 Fish Food
Pet Food (other)
Kit Kat
Chocolate
★ UTZ Certified
Kool Mints
Mints & Gum
Le Snak
Muesli Bars
Lucky Dog
Dog Treats
Lucky Dog
Dog Food
Maggi
Cooking Sauce
Maggi
Soy/Asian Sauce
Maggi
Gravy
Maggi
Packet Meals
Maggi
Noodles
Maggi
Stock
Mighty Dog
Dog Food
Milky Bar
Chocolate
★ UTZ Certified
Milo
Milk Flavouring
Milo
Muesli Bars
Mint Pattie
Chocolate
★ UTZ Certified
Mint Slice
Chocolate
★ UTZ Certified
Minties
Mints & Gum
Minties
Sweets & Lollies
Nan
Baby Formula
Nescafe
Coffee
Nescafe Gold Organic
Coffee
★ certified organic
Nespresso
Coffee
Nesquik
Milk Flavouring
Nestle
Baby Food
Nestle
Baby Formula
Nestle
Chocolate
★ UTZ Certified
Nestle
Cake Decorating
Nestle
Sweets & Lollies
Nestle
Milk Flavouring
Nestle
Milk
Nestle
Muesli Bars
One
Cat Food
Optifast
Weight Loss
Perrier
Sparkling Water
Pet Life
Pet Care
Plaistowe
Chocolate
★ UTZ Certified
Pro Plan
Cat Food
Pro Plan
Dog Food
Purina
Dog Food
Purina
Dog Treats
Purina
Cat Food
Quick-Eze
Lozenges
Quick-Eze
Digestive Care
Rolo
Chocolate
★ UTZ Certified
Ruffs
Dog Treats
San Pellegrino
Sparkling Water
San Pellegrino
Soft Drinks
Smarties
Chocolate
★ UTZ Certified
Soothers
Lozenges
Sunshine
Milk Powder
Supercoat
Cat Food
Supercoat
Dog Food
Sustagen
Milk Flavouring
Sustagen
Flavoured Milk
Throaties
Lozenges
Tidy Cats
Cat Litter
Total Care
Pet Food (other)
Total Care
Pet Care
Vittel
Bottled Water
Wonka
Sweets & Lollies
Wonka
Chocolate
★ UTZ Certified
XXX
Mints & Gum
Starbucks
Coffee
Connoisser
Ice Cream
Drumstick
Ice Cream
Heaven
Ice Cream
Maxibon
Ice Cream
Milo
Ice Cream
Peters
Ice Cream
Skinny Cow
Ice Cream
Cadbury
Ice Cream
Cheerios
Cereal
Healthwise
Cereal
Milo
Cereal
Morning Sun
Muesli & Oats
Nestle
Cereal
O&G
Muesli & Oats
Plus
Cereal
Purina Health Foods Co.
Muesli & Oats
Uncle Tobys
Breakfast On the Go
Uncle Tobys
Soy/Plant Milk
Uncle Tobys
Cereal
Uncle Tobys
Muesli & Oats
Uncle Tobys
Muesli Bars
Vita Brits
Cereal
★ Some products certified organic
Azzaro
Fragrances
Biotherm
Skin Care
Botanicals
Shampoo
CeraVe
Skin Care
David Yurman
Fragrances
Dermablend
Cosmetics
Elnett
Hair Styling
Elvive
Shampoo
Essie
Nail Care
Garnier
Skin Care
Garnier
Deodorant
Garnier
Tanning Lotions
Garnier Fructis
Shampoo
Garnier Fructis
Hair Styling
Garnier Nutrisse
Hair Colour
Helena Rubinstein
Cosmetics
Kiehl's
Skin Care
Kiehl's
Cosmetics
L'Oreal
Skin Care
L'Oreal
Hair Styling
L'Oreal
Hair Colour
L'Oreal
Cosmetics
L'Oreal
Shampoo
L'Oreal
Tanning Lotions
L'Oreal Men Expert
Mens Grooming
Lancome
Cosmetics
Matrix
Shampoo
Maybelline
Cosmetics
NYX
Cosmetics
Porsche Design
Fragrances
Redken
Shampoo
Shu Uemura
Cosmetics
SkinCeuticals
Skin Care
Swarovski
Fragrances
Thayers
Skin Care
Thierry Mugler
Fragrances
Yves Saint Laurent
Cosmetics
Giorgio Armani
Cosmetics
Giorgio Armani
Fragrances
Valentino
Fragrances
Viktor Rolf
Fragrances
Ralph Lauren
Fragrances
Diesel
Fragrances
Cacharel
Fragrances
Urban Decay
Cosmetics
Aesop
Skin Care