Nestlé is updating how it reports the nutritional value of its products after criticism regarding its commitment to healthier food options. Starting with its next non-financial report, the company will align its data with the Access to Nutrition initiative, aiming to provide clearer insights on its health impact.
CEO Laurent Freixe announced that Nestlé will include a sales-weighted average measure for relevant categories and its total portfolio, while continuing to use the Health Star Rating system. This move is partly in response to feedback from the investment non-profit ShareAction, which has criticized Nestlé for its current classifications of “nutritious” products, which include items like coffee and infant food.
ShareAction urged Nestlé to set targets to increase sales of healthier products. Although shareholders overwhelmingly voted against this proposal, Freixe committed to enhancing transparency in a meeting with ShareAction investors. He emphasized the importance of stakeholder dialogue for success.
This change reflects growing pressure on food manufacturers to improve the nutritional quality of their offerings, as unhealthy diets are linked to serious health issues. In 2023, Nestlé reported that only 37% of its sales came from products deemed “healthy” according to their rating system. The company aims to boost sales of nutritious items significantly by the end of the decade. ShareAction and other advocates call for similar accountability from other major food companies.
