Innovation

People living in emerging countries often lack the correct nutrition and diet, which has a negative impact on their lives. Most of the time these families and communities cannot access or cannot afford the appropriate medical attention. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional disorder, impacting over 2 billion people worldwide (de Benoist et al. 2008). Iron deficiency, or anemia, can have terrible impacts on the lives of people, particularly on pregnant women and children. Studies conducted by the World Health Organization have found that 14% of pregnant woman in industrialized countries have anemia, and this rises to a staggering average of 56% (ranging from 35% to 75%) in developing countries.

"Enhancing quality of life and contributing to a healthier future" defines the purpose of Nestlé worldwide, and it runs a comprehensive fortification program within its Food business.

One example that well illustrates this program is the renowned Maggi bouillon cube. These cubes have been conceived with carefully selected ingredients and are fortified in some markets to provide the correct nutrition and address the needs of people and communities in need. When added to meals, Maggi cubes provide iron along with careful doses of other nutritional components (through the use of local ingredients) to add taste to the dishes that are being prepared. This idea to tackle iron deficiency has become widely diffused throughout many countries, mainly across Central and Western Africa. Nigeria was one of the countries most affected by anemia, and the Maggi cubes have greatly helped to tackle the problem. People there buy around 80 million cubes per day. In addition to its commitment to continuously improve the lives of people, Nestlé has been involved in talks with local governments, consumers, and other stakeholders to highlight and propose solutions to nutritional challenges.

To further inspire and support good food habits, Nestlé raises awareness by setting up cooking courses and programs that emphasize the utilization of seasonal products and the benefits of Maggi cubes in preparing tasty and nutritionally improved dishes. Preparing these dishes, however, typically results in some wasted food, and food waste is one of the main sustainability challenges worldwide. As part of the efforts around inspiring and supporting good food habits, Nestlé uses soft education to provide tips and recipes that help reduce the levels of waste that would typically be generated.

Inspiration

The inspiration has come from the idea that if Nestlé could address this huge problem affecting the lives of more than 2 billion people, it could be a considerable accomplishment for the company as well as a profitable business case. The idea behind Maggi was to add taste to food and also add the nutrients that people need in a simple and affordable way. Now millions of people use Maggi cubes in their everyday life in their cooking to add taste and obtain the iron supplements they need to have a healthier life.

Overall impact

The impact of Maggi bouillon cubes and other products allow Nestlé's Food business to meet the needs and health requirements of communities around the world. Interviewing Beat Stettler, who is the Quality & Sustainability Manager for Nestlé’s Food business worldwide, made me realize how challenging it can be for a multinational company such as Nestlé to operate in an international environment, with people needing different things and having to comply with a multitude of different regulations. Products are manufactured with the customer in mind and aim to tackle the specific needs of communities who use them. Maggi, which is one of these products, has been developed to utilize local ingredients of the countries it is sold in, adapt to local tastes, and provide the micronutrients that communities need.

Business benefit

Maggi bouillon cubes have been carefully crafted to provide the right amount of iron alongside other micronutrients while adding a rich taste to food through the use of familiar ingredients. Food fortification is an important aspect within communities, particularly those that suffer from undernourishment. Due to the huge need, especially in Central and Western Africa, the cubes are sold in vast quantities, where families and individuals can buy cubes individually at their local market.

The company has further started to move away from the actual production of raw materials, leaving the work to local experts, but it nonetheless maintains direct relationships with its suppliers. Nestlé often relies on manufacturing its products such as the Maggi cubes directly in the countries in which they are consumed in order to make use of local ingredients.

Social and environmental benefit

By incorporating Maggi cubes into their diets, people receive micronutrient fortification and, as a result, get more of the micronutrients they need. Maggi aims to address the underlying critical problem of anemia that is affecting billions of people.

Nestlé wants to raise awareness amongst communities, and that is why they have also set up cooking courses to educate people about food. Throughout the courses, one of the key aspects is to emphasize the use of seasonal products to prepare dishes. Minimizing and eliminating food waste has also become one of Nestlé's concerns; that is why it is important to know exactly how to buy, store, prepare, and cook ingredients. Technology plays an important role alongside the physical aspects of courses set up. Cooking apps have been specifically developed to help the households and raise understanding.

With their ongoing efforts and through these various initiatives, Nestlé aims to raise awareness and teach its consumers, who in turn will become ambassadors by spreading the word, which will help improve the lives of many.

In the future Nestlé aims to look further at optimizing its supply chains and finding the best solution whilst focusing on fundamental aspects such as long-term benefits for its suppliers, with whom they keep in contact.

To be able to develop the desired products, a lot of animal-based products are used. In order to guarantee the highest standards, Nestlé ensures that animals are treated according to strict animal welfare requirements.

Interview

Beat Stettler, Quality & Sustainability Manager, Nestlé, Food Strategic Business Unit