Nestlé UK and Ireland
Nestlé SA’s global financial results, announced today, highlight the UK & Ireland as growth markets for the company in 2012 despite the tough economic environment. Nestlé UK & Ireland delivered growth by responding to the changing shopping habits of UK consumers, particularly in the growing online, convenience and discounter sectors.
NESCAFÉ continued to lead the coffee category by providing consumers with innovative new products such as NESCAFÉ AZERA, the instant barista style coffee, successfully launched in 2012. NESCAFÉ DOLCE GUSTO, which provides coffee-shop quality at home for a fraction of the price, increased sales of coffee pods by nearly 40%.
Sales of KIT KAT, Nestlé’s leading confectionery brand, increased in 2012. The tough economy has not diminished consumers’ commitment to Fairtrade. Following the success of Fairtrade KIT KAT 4-finger in recent years, KIT KAT 2-finger achieved Fairtrade certification in January 2013. KIT KAT 2-finger is now the second biggest Fairtrade product in terms of individual products sold, second only to bananas. Over 700 million Fairtrade bars will be sold each year (source IRI).
Nestlé also announced it will create 400 new jobs as the company continues its £500 million investment programme. Nestlé is recruiting across its UK sites for a wide range of roles including apprenticeships, graduate positions and engineers.
Fiona Kendrick said:
Nestlé UK & Ireland Chairman & CEO Fiona Kendrick: “2012 was a strong year for Nestlé UK & Ireland. Our consumers are adapting to the tough economic climate by changing the way they shop. We have grown our business by responding to this new reality, particularly in fast growing channels such as online shopping, convenience stores and discounters, as well as the more traditional outlets.”
(All figures from Symphony IRI Group Jan to Dec 2012, Total IRI Grocery)
Press Conference Hosted by Chief Executive Officer, Paul Bulcke & Chief Financial Officer, Wan Ling Martello
Report published today