Creating Shared Value for Local Communities

Often this comes in the form of investments in local manufacturing plants which generates employment opportunities, bringing money into the community and stimulating the local economy while simultaneously creating a more highly trained and employable workforce. Nestlé benefits from these investments as they lower manufacturing and distribution costs to local markets which in turn lowers the cost of end commodities for consumers.

Nestlé’s presence also assists in the improvement of rural infrastructure. It is estimated that only 30% of African farmers have access to a road to bring their goods to the cash economy. Investing in infrastructure, particularly to aid transportation, is therefore crucial if the company is to expand into developing regions. These investments, as well as benefiting Nestlé in the long term, bring significant benefit to the people living in surrounding communities.

In Nigeria and Kenya Nestlé supports Red Cross HIV/AIDS education awareness programs while in Rwanda and India the company has constructed clean drinking water facilities and coordinated community education programs to highlight water issues and the importance of sanitation.