Nestlé’s Vision for Global Nutrition: Insights from the 2024 International Symposium

Sep 30, 2024 at 8:00 AM
Unlocking the Secrets of Balanced Diets: Nestlé's Vision for Global Well-beingThe conversation around food and health is a delicate one, built on trillions of dollars and eight billion tastes. At the 2024 Nestlé International Nutrition Symposium, over 50 distinguished scientists from around the world gathered to share their scientific views on balanced diets and the link between diets and health. This was the 20th anniversary of the first Nestlé International Nutrition Symposium, held at Nestlé Research in Lausanne, Switzerland, with the theme 'Rethinking the impact of nutrition on health: From nutrients to meals to balanced diets'.

Empowering Individuals to Achieve Optimal Nutrition and Well-being

Nestlé's Commitment to Healthier Products

Nestlé, a global leader in nutrition, has been on a mission to transform its product portfolio to better serve the health and wellness needs of consumers worldwide. The company has committed to making 85% of its sales from healthier products by 2030, with a focus on medical nutrition, infant nutrition, and active lifestyle nutrition. This strategic shift reflects Nestlé's unwavering dedication to providing consumers with a diverse range of nutritious options that cater to their specific needs and preferences.Nestlé's commitment to healthier products extends beyond just the bottom line. The company recognizes that well-being requires balance, and it has struck that balance by offering a diverse portfolio that includes both healthcare products and delectable snacks. In fact, Nestlé's KitKat brand was recently named the world's most global brand by the Guinness World Records, with 4.5 million KitKats manufactured daily in 14 countries and sold in over 70 territories.

Bridging the Nutrition Gap: Affordable Healthy Food Options

While Nestlé is renowned for its iconic and indulgent brands, the company is also committed to providing an affordable selection of healthy food options. This dual approach ensures that consumers from all walks of life can access the nutritional support they need to thrive.Nestlé's Chairman, Mr. Paul Bulcke, emphasized the importance of supporting people to eat balanced diets in a sustainable way. He highlighted the vital need to meet the specific nutritional and health needs of people in all life stages, and the crucial role that science and technology play in achieving this goal.

Rethinking Nutrition: From Nutrients to Balanced Diets

At the heart of the Nestlé International Nutrition Symposium was the exploration of the impact of nutrition on health, with a focus on transitioning from a nutrient-centric approach to a more holistic understanding of balanced diets.Professor Eileen Kennedy, a renowned expert in the field, delivered a keynote lecture that underscored the importance of balanced diets in ensuring adequate nutrient intake and reducing the risk of malnutrition and non-communicable diseases across all life stages. Her insights shed light on the complex interplay between individual nutrients, meal compositions, and overall dietary patterns, challenging the traditional reductionist view of nutrition.

Embracing Innovation and Collaboration for Healthier Futures

Nestlé's vision for global well-being extends beyond its product portfolio. The company recognizes the power of innovation and collaboration to drive meaningful change in the realm of nutrition and health."Nestlé has unparalleled strengths, such as iconic brands and products, an unmatched global presence, leading innovation and execution capabilities, and above all, exceptional people and teams," said CEO Laurent Freixe. "We can strategically position Nestlé to lead and win everywhere we operate."By leveraging its vast resources and expertise, Nestlé is poised to spearhead groundbreaking research, develop cutting-edge technologies, and forge strategic partnerships that will redefine the landscape of nutrition and health. This holistic approach, rooted in scientific rigor and a deep understanding of consumer needs, positions Nestlé as a trailblazer in the quest for a healthier, more balanced future.