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A message from our Chairman and our CEO
The year 2016 was marked by two important milestones.
First, Nestlé celebrated its 150
th
anniversary. Our company’s journey began with Henri Nestlé’s
invention of
Farine Lactée
infant cereal and ever since, we have lived up to our purpose of enhancing
quality of life and contributing to a healthier future.
Every day, Nestlé touches the lives of billions of people worldwide: from our employees to the
farmers who grow our ingredients and the families who enjoy our products; to the communities
where we live and work; as well as the natural environment upon which we all depend. Guided by
our values rooted in respect, we work alongside partners to create shared value – contributing to
society while ensuring the long‑term success of our business.
We are pleased to share our 2016
Nestlé in society: Creating Shared Value
report, which
demonstrates our progress and shows how our company purpose, ambitions and 42 specific public
commitments are contributing to society.
Our Creating Shared Value priorities are those areas of greatest intersection between Nestlé’s
business and society, and where we can create the most value and make the most difference.
These include: nutrition, where we refined our commitments to enable healthier and happier lives
for individuals and families, with a strong focus on infants and children; rural development, to help
develop thriving and resilient communities, and support better livelihoods for those we live and
work with; and water, an issue of critical concern for the planet and the lynchpin of food security.
We have strengthened our commitments in the areas of water and environmental sustainability to
underline our determination to steward natural resources for future generations.
Underpinning all these efforts is a robust approach to compliance, human rights and our people.
We respect and promote human rights, fair employment and diversity. An issue of major concern
globally is the high level of unemployment experienced by young people. In response, we continue
to extend our
Global Youth Initiative
while encouraging the participation of other companies
and partners.
The second milestone for Nestlé in 2016 was the first anniversary of the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) with the definition of a clear indicator framework and a solid recognition
of the role of the private sector and its contribution in the spirit of Creating Shared Value.
The goals set out a vision for ending poverty, hunger and inequality, and protecting the Earth’s
natural resources by 2030. The 17 goals are closely interlinked and are being integrated into our
Creating Shared Value approach, with an emphasis on those where we can make the most
meaningful, positive impact.
To mirror the SDG timescale, we have introduced a set of overarching ambitions for 2030, which will
guide our actions and provide direction for our 2020 commitments (please see
page 24).
Nestlé plays its full part in meeting the SDGs not only through our Creating Shared Value approach
to doing business, but also through partnerships, collaborations and stakeholder engagement.
Through the Consumer Goods Forum, for example, we help shape the global collective agenda
through resolutions and commitments on health and wellness, social sustainability, climate change
and environmental sustainability.
As in previous years, in 2016 we restated our support for the UN Global Compact as a founding
member of the UN Global Compact Lead – an important platform for corporate sustainability
leadership and collective engagement with the SDGs.
Behind all of these efforts are our company values, which are rooted in respect – respect
for ourselves, respect for others, respect for diversity of the world we live in and respect for
the future. Our
Corporate Business Principles
and Code of Business Conduct clearly set out
our responsibilities.
G4-1, Economic performance G4-DMA
Nestlé in society – Creating Shared Value and meeting our commitments 2016
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