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Daily Maverick
06-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Nestlé to ‘evolve' nutrition and reporting after investor criticism of healthy food targets
The Global Access to Nutrition Index 2024 by ATNi found that of product sales, only 32.7% are from healthier Nestlé products. Nestlé CEO Laurent Freixe posted on LinkedIn that after another meeting at the end of 2024 with ShareAction investors they agreed to 'evolve Nestlé's reporting on nutritional value of the company's portfolio' as well as 'make it easier for investors to compare companies and their portfolios across the food industry'. This came after March 2024, when ShareAction, the responsible investing charity, filed a resolution asking Nestlé to set targets to increase the sales of healthier foods, and apply internationally accepted standards that define healthy foods. This means that Nestlé's portfolio may be moving towards more transparency, as well as hopefully pushing the marketing and sales of healthier foods. ANTi analysed the Nestlé product portfolio at the end of 2024, finding that only 32.7% of the sales are from healthier Nestlé foods and beverages. 'I think that there is still a very long way to go – although I guess a little credit must be given for the slight shift towards healthy food,' said Sue Goldstein, public health medicine specialist and division director at the SAMRC Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science at PRICELESS SA. Nestlé had an overall score of 3.7 out of 10, scoring lowest on affordable nutrition (3/10) and portfolio improvement (3.5/10) and highest on Reporting Nutrient Profile Models (9/10) which are a system for classifying foods based on nutritional content, often used to assess healthiness – such as fats, sugars and salt. People often say that food choices are down to the individual. But what is available, accessible, affordable, desirable, convenient and effective with marketing all play a role in determining people's choices. 'Evolve' nutrition reporting 'We appreciate the constructive dialogue with ATNi and ShareAction and their recognition of our progress and transparency. We have the same interest – making balanced diets accessible for all people around the world. We are one of the food companies at the forefront of the work on this and it requires the whole industry to engage to make a difference,' Conny Sethaelo, corporate communications and public affairs director at Nestlé East and Southern Africa Region, told Daily Maverick. Freixe added that with Nestlé's next non-financial report they will 'evolve' nutrition reporting via three mechanisms: add new data aligned with the scope of ATNi, include a sales weighted average measure for relevant categories and the total portfolio, and continue to use the Health Star Rating system. Further steps ATNI lauded the progress Nestlé has made, but said 'further steps are needed to fully align with ATNi's expectations for responsible nutrition reporting.' These include: Setting a clear and ambitious target to increase the share of healthier products sold, and reducing sales of less-healthy products; Greater transparency on reduction of nutrients of concern (sugar, sodium, saturated fat); Public reporting of marketing audit results and responsible marketing practices; Progress updates on front-of-pack labelling and use of nutrition or health claims; and Full adherence to the WHO Code on the marketing of breast milk substitutes. 'We comply with the World Health Organization International Code for the Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and World Health Assembly resolutions as implemented by national governments everywhere in the world,' Sethaelo said. She added that they have restricted the promotion of formula for infants aged 0 to six months worldwide. In more than 160 countries, including South Africa, they apply stricter rules to prevent promoting formula for infants of 0 to 12 months. Social media sites available in South Africa, such as Facebook, do have Nestlé pages such as ' Nestlé Nankid 4 ' where age is not mentioned, on posts saying things like 'Every growing kid with a growing mind deserves a good foundation. With NESTLÉ® NANKID® OPTIPRO® 4 daily, your kid gets the support they need for their growing body and growing mind.' The Facebook page description is 'baby goods/children's goods'. Nutrition governance: 7.8/10 Nestlé has committed to the target 'to grow the sales of more nutritious products by CHF 20 to 25 billion by 2030, representing about 50% growth over 2022 sales'. 'Nutritious products' refers to products that meet Health Star Rating (HSR) 3.5 (or above) and its specialised nutrition products (such as baby foods, supplements and medical nutrition). Nestlé is strongly recommended to increase the sales target of healthier foods relative to less-healthy products, to ensure that sales of less-healthy products do not grow at the same rate. Portfolio improvement: 3.5/10 Nestlé has committed to reducing sodium in frequently consumed products by 2025, with targets for further reductions set for 2030. The company reports that it has achieved '5-6% sugar and salt reduction over the last six years' and met 2025 sodium reduction objectives in half of its product categories. Asked how they will address nutrient differences in the Global South, since products for infants and toddlers have more sugar in countries like South Africa, Sethaelo said the approach is 'global, meaning we are committed to providing more nutritious, affordable food and beverages to people in all countries in which we operate, including LMICs'. 'At Nestlé, we're committed to making a positive impact by creating products that tackle locally relevant nutritional deficiencies and are regularly consumed by a large portion of the population. Our goal is to offer foods that support a balanced diet and are affordable for those who need them most – helping meet critical societal needs while creating lasting value for our business.' Saturated fats and sticking to a date As with sugar reduction, the company said it will focus on growing sales of products meeting HSR≥ 3.5. While saturated fat is a major component of the HSR algorithm, there is no reformulation target for saturated fat reduction. Industrially produced trans fat (iTFA) is an industrial process of adding hydrogen to vegetable oil, going from a liquid to a solid. It can be found in baked goods, some packaged foods and margarine, for example. Among other dietary factors, high intake of trans fat increases the risk of death from any cause by 34%, coronary heart disease deaths by 28% and coronary heart disease by 21%. Nestlé indicates that the company has successfully limited iTFA to less than 2g per 100g of fats and oils, aligning with WHO recommendations. Additionally, the company has shown evidence of internal standards in place to prevent the presence of iTFA. Nestlé is encouraged to report specifically on its progress in reducing levels of sodium (ideally in line with the WHO sodium benchmarks), saturated fats, and sugar, across all relevant product categories – and set a specific, measurable and time-bound target for reducing levels of saturated fats and free sugars. Reformulating, reducing and investing in marketing Sethaelo explained that they believe an 'absolute target' is the best way to guide the strategy of increasing sales of more nutritious foods and beverages. 'We are proud of all of our products and want to ensure that we address responsibly the diverse needs and preferences of our consumers,' said Sethaelo, adding that they are 'taking action across three key areas.' 'These are reformulating existing products and developing new ones with improved nutrient profiles,' Sethaelo said. They have 'reduced health-sensitive nutrients but believe that a holistic approach to improving nutritional value based on nutrient profiling systems (including HSR) is the best approach.' And they are investing significant marketing spend behind products scoring HSR 3.5 and above, she explained. Fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains Nestlé, through its joint venture with General Mills as Cereal Partners Worldwide (CPW), commits to having whole grains as the main ingredient in its cereals. Nestlé provided evidence of tracking the percentage of products with whole grain as the number-one ingredient over the past three years. Nestlé is encouraged to set targets to increase levels or sales of products containing meaningful levels of minimally processed fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes (FVNL) and whole grains across all relevant product categories and report against them. For its CPW target, the company is recommended to publish how it defines 'whole grains' in this context, ideally using the Whole Grain Initiative definition. 'We do support the Whole Grain Initiative definition – and advocate for harmonisation of whole grain food definitions globally, using this one as standard,' Sethaelo said. This is particularly important to sub-Saharan Africa, as Nestlé has announced a $7-million (R124-million) investment to expand its cereal manufacturing facility in Harare, Zimbabwe. How else does Nestlé score? In the Nutrient Profiling Model Nestlé scored 2.6 out of 10. Nestlé reports on the healthiness of its product sales using Health Star Rating, which was originally only applied to its children and family category products in 2020, and now applies to the entire global portfolio – an improvement. However, while the company shared details with ATNi about how it categorises products according to HSR guidelines, it did so under a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). To enhance transparency, Nestlé is strongly encouraged to publish the healthiness of its product sales according to HSR, excluding the plain coffee portfolio, or make it available on request, without an NDA. In terms of affordable nutrition, it scored three out of 10. For workforce nutrition, it scored seven out of 10. In terms of responsible labelling, it scored 7.5 out of 10. With responsible marketing, it scored 4.1 out of 10. Nestlé recently launched a platform called GoodNes, collaborating with South African influencers to cook 'healthier food'. For example, it featured cooking with instant noodles, which while usually low in calories, are high in sodium, fat and carbohydrates. The amount of salt in one packet of noodles far exceeds the daily recommended intake. 'The way that healthy food is promoted on the GoodNes platform includes processed meats (which are carcinogenic) and foods high in salt like: 'Maggi Lazenby stir-fry, featuring a blend of beloved brands like Maggi 2-Minute Noodles and Worcestershire Sauce.' In some ways, this is even more dangerous as they are claiming that these are healthy foods and innocent people who are trying their best for their families fall for this hidden advertising,' Goldstein said. 'What this means for countries like South Africa is that we don't have the monitors who are able to follow exactly what Nestlé are doing – in our universities – on social media, and in other spaces. Thus, they can get away with promoting unhealthy foods as healthy with no comeback. 'The limited goal of improving their foods to be healthier will not be sufficient to turn the tide against the obesity tsunami we are facing,' she concluded. DM
Business Upturn
29-05-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Cargill Earns #1 Global Ranking for Removing Trans Fats From Edible Oils Portfolio
Wayzata, Minn., United States: Cargill earned the top spot on the inaugural Edible Oil Supplier Index 2025, published by global nonprofit Access to Nutrition initiative (ATNi). The ranking recognizes the company's leadership in removing industrially produced trans-fatty acids* (iTFAs) from its entire edible oils portfolio, even in markets with no regulatory mandate. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: Cargill earned the top spot on the inaugural Edible Oil Supplier Index 2025, published by global nonprofit Access to Nutrition initiative (ATNi) Cargill's leadership in this space has made a tangible difference for customers and consumers around the world. Chantilly, a cherished brand in Mexico known for its bakery, pastry and confectionery products, is a standout example. The company credits Cargill as a key ally in helping remove iTFAs from its popular whipping cream recipes. 'Cargill provided the expertise and technology needed to solve crucial challenges such as maintaining the taste and texture our consumers and operators expect, while preserving the functionality suitable for various culinary applications,' said Miriam Leticia Rodriguez Chigora, R&D leader, Chantilly. 'It not only highlights Cargill's ability to provide technical support and innovative solutions but also its commitment to consumer health and regulatory compliance.' These efforts are part of what ATNi evaluated in its first-ever ranking of the eight largest edible oil suppliers. The international nutrition organization assessed the companies on 19 indicators across four categories. Cargill earned the highest overall score, 81.4%, leading across all assessment areas, with the second-highest scoring company achieving just 14.2%. This recognition builds on a major milestone reached in January 2024, when Cargill became the first — and still only known — global edible oil supplier whose entire portfolio complies with the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended limit of no more than two grams of iTFAs per 100 grams of fats and oils in food products — a threshold set to protect public health. Cargill's journey began years earlier, well ahead of the WHO's 2018 REPLACE initiative, which called for the global elimination of industrial trans fats. The company invested millions in capital upgrades, committed thousands of R&D hours and helped hundreds of customers reformulate products. To date, Cargill has helped remove more than 1.5 billion pounds of products containing iTFAs from the global food chain. 'Being recognized by ATNi reinforces our responsibility to lead with purpose — delivering safe, sustainable nutrition through the food and ingredient solutions we provide,' said David VandenEinde, Vice President of R&D for Food North America, Cargill. 'This achievement is the result of decades of innovation, close collaboration with customers like Chantilly, and investment in improved edible oil solutions. We will remain fully engaged with food manufacturers and related stakeholders, working together to help pave the way for a healthier and more resilient global food supply.' According to the WHO's 2024 progress report, as of the end of 2023, only 53 of the world's 195 countries — covering just 46% of the global population — had adopted one of WHO's best practice policies to limit iTFA in foods. That reality puts added meaning to ATNi's call for other suppliers to 'follow Cargill by example.' The company not only drove change within its own operations and with its customers, but it has also worked as a catalyst for global change, actively collaborating with health organizations to share expertise and support policy development in markets where iTFA regulations are still emerging. # # # *Industrially produced trans-fatty acids (iTFAs) are created during the partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils but can also be formed by high thermal treatment during edible oil refining. At high levels of consumption, they have been linked to increased risk of coronary heart disease and mortality, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to recommend eliminating iTFAs from global food supplies. About Cargill Cargill is committed to providing food, ingredients, agricultural solutions, and industrial products to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. Sitting at the heart of the supply chain, we partner with farmers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living. Our approximately 160,000 employees innovate with purpose, providing customers with life's essentials so businesses can grow, communities prosper, and consumers live well. With 160 years of experience as a family company, we look ahead while remaining true to our values. We put people first. We reach higher. We do the right thing—today and for generations to come. For more information, visit and our News Center. View source version on Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
National Post
28-05-2025
- Business
- National Post
Cargill Earns #1 Global Ranking for Removing Trans Fats From Edible Oils Portfolio
Article content Article content WAYZATA, Minn. — Cargill earned the top spot on the inaugural Edible Oil Supplier Index 2025, published by global nonprofit Access to Nutrition initiative (ATNi). The ranking recognizes the company's leadership in removing industrially produced trans-fatty acids* (iTFAs) from its entire edible oils portfolio, even in markets with no regulatory mandate. Article content Cargill's leadership in this space has made a tangible difference for customers and consumers around the world. Chantilly, a cherished brand in Mexico known for its bakery, pastry and confectionery products, is a standout example. The company credits Cargill as a key ally in helping remove iTFAs from its popular whipping cream recipes. Article content 'Cargill provided the expertise and technology needed to solve crucial challenges such as maintaining the taste and texture our consumers and operators expect, while preserving the functionality suitable for various culinary applications,' said Miriam Leticia Rodriguez Chigora, R&D leader, Chantilly. 'It not only highlights Cargill's ability to provide technical support and innovative solutions but also its commitment to consumer health and regulatory compliance.' Article content These efforts are part of what ATNi evaluated in its first-ever ranking of the eight largest edible oil suppliers. The international nutrition organization assessed the companies on 19 indicators across four categories. Cargill earned the highest overall score, 81.4%, leading across all assessment areas, with the second-highest scoring company achieving just 14.2%. Article content This recognition builds on a major milestone reached in January 2024, when Cargill became the first — and still only known — global edible oil supplier whose entire portfolio complies with the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended limit of no more than two grams of iTFAs per 100 grams of fats and oils in food products — a threshold set to protect public health. Article content Cargill's journey began years earlier, well ahead of the WHO's 2018 REPLACE initiative, which called for the global elimination of industrial trans fats. The company invested millions in capital upgrades, committed thousands of R&D hours and helped hundreds of customers reformulate products. To date, Cargill has helped remove more than 1.5 billion pounds of products containing iTFAs from the global food chain. Article content 'Being recognized by ATNi reinforces our responsibility to lead with purpose — delivering safe, sustainable nutrition through the food and ingredient solutions we provide,' said David VandenEinde, Vice President of R&D for Food North America, Cargill. 'This achievement is the result of decades of innovation, close collaboration with customers like Chantilly, and investment in improved edible oil solutions. We will remain fully engaged with food manufacturers and related stakeholders, working together to help pave the way for a healthier and more resilient global food supply.' Article content According to the WHO's 2024 progress report, as of the end of 2023, only 53 of the world's 195 countries — covering just 46% of the global population — had adopted one of WHO's best practice policies to limit iTFA in foods. That reality puts added meaning to ATNi's call for other suppliers to 'follow Cargill by example.' The company not only drove change within its own operations and with its customers, but it has also worked as a catalyst for global change, actively collaborating with health organizations to share expertise and support policy development in markets where iTFA regulations are still emerging. Article content # # # Article content *Industrially produced trans-fatty acids (iTFAs) are created during the partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils but can also be formed by high thermal treatment during edible oil refining. At high levels of consumption, they have been linked to increased risk of coronary heart disease and mortality, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to recommend eliminating iTFAs from global food supplies. Article content Cargill is committed to providing food, ingredients, agricultural solutions, and industrial products to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. Sitting at the heart of the supply chain, we partner with farmers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cargill Earns #1 Global Ranking for Removing Trans Fats From Edible Oils Portfolio
International nutrition foundation recognizes Cargill's global leadership on industrially produced trans-fatty acid removal WAYZATA, Minn., May 28, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cargill earned the top spot on the inaugural Edible Oil Supplier Index 2025, published by global nonprofit Access to Nutrition initiative (ATNi). The ranking recognizes the company's leadership in removing industrially produced trans-fatty acids* (iTFAs) from its entire edible oils portfolio, even in markets with no regulatory mandate. Cargill's leadership in this space has made a tangible difference for customers and consumers around the world. Chantilly, a cherished brand in Mexico known for its bakery, pastry and confectionery products, is a standout example. The company credits Cargill as a key ally in helping remove iTFAs from its popular whipping cream recipes. "Cargill provided the expertise and technology needed to solve crucial challenges such as maintaining the taste and texture our consumers and operators expect, while preserving the functionality suitable for various culinary applications," said Miriam Leticia Rodriguez Chigora, R&D leader, Chantilly. "It not only highlights Cargill's ability to provide technical support and innovative solutions but also its commitment to consumer health and regulatory compliance." These efforts are part of what ATNi evaluated in its first-ever ranking of the eight largest edible oil suppliers. The international nutrition organization assessed the companies on 19 indicators across four categories. Cargill earned the highest overall score, 81.4%, leading across all assessment areas, with the second-highest scoring company achieving just 14.2%. This recognition builds on a major milestone reached in January 2024, when Cargill became the first — and still only known — global edible oil supplier whose entire portfolio complies with the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended limit of no more than two grams of iTFAs per 100 grams of fats and oils in food products — a threshold set to protect public health. Cargill's journey began years earlier, well ahead of the WHO's 2018 REPLACE initiative, which called for the global elimination of industrial trans fats. The company invested millions in capital upgrades, committed thousands of R&D hours and helped hundreds of customers reformulate products. To date, Cargill has helped remove more than 1.5 billion pounds of products containing iTFAs from the global food chain. "Being recognized by ATNi reinforces our responsibility to lead with purpose — delivering safe, sustainable nutrition through the food and ingredient solutions we provide," said David VandenEinde, Vice President of R&D for Food North America, Cargill. "This achievement is the result of decades of innovation, close collaboration with customers like Chantilly, and investment in improved edible oil solutions. We will remain fully engaged with food manufacturers and related stakeholders, working together to help pave the way for a healthier and more resilient global food supply." According to the WHO's 2024 progress report, as of the end of 2023, only 53 of the world's 195 countries — covering just 46% of the global population — had adopted one of WHO's best practice policies to limit iTFA in foods. That reality puts added meaning to ATNi's call for other suppliers to "follow Cargill by example." The company not only drove change within its own operations and with its customers, but it has also worked as a catalyst for global change, actively collaborating with health organizations to share expertise and support policy development in markets where iTFA regulations are still emerging. # # # *Industrially produced trans-fatty acids (iTFAs) are created during the partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils but can also be formed by high thermal treatment during edible oil refining. At high levels of consumption, they have been linked to increased risk of coronary heart disease and mortality, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to recommend eliminating iTFAs from global food supplies. About Cargill Cargill is committed to providing food, ingredients, agricultural solutions, and industrial products to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. Sitting at the heart of the supply chain, we partner with farmers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living. Our approximately 160,000 employees innovate with purpose, providing customers with life's essentials so businesses can grow, communities prosper, and consumers live well. With 160 years of experience as a family company, we look ahead while remaining true to our values. We put people first. We reach higher. We do the right thing—today and for generations to come. For more information, visit and our News Center. View source version on Contacts media@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
28-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Cargill Earns #1 Global Ranking for Removing Trans Fats From Edible Oils Portfolio
WAYZATA, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cargill earned the top spot on the inaugural Edible Oil Supplier Index 2025, published by global nonprofit Access to Nutrition initiative (ATNi). The ranking recognizes the company's leadership in removing industrially produced trans-fatty acids* (iTFAs) from its entire edible oils portfolio, even in markets with no regulatory mandate. Cargill's leadership in this space has made a tangible difference for customers and consumers around the world. Chantilly, a cherished brand in Mexico known for its bakery, pastry and confectionery products, is a standout example. The company credits Cargill as a key ally in helping remove iTFAs from its popular whipping cream recipes. 'Cargill provided the expertise and technology needed to solve crucial challenges such as maintaining the taste and texture our consumers and operators expect, while preserving the functionality suitable for various culinary applications,' said Miriam Leticia Rodriguez Chigora, R&D leader, Chantilly. 'It not only highlights Cargill's ability to provide technical support and innovative solutions but also its commitment to consumer health and regulatory compliance.' These efforts are part of what ATNi evaluated in its first-ever ranking of the eight largest edible oil suppliers. The international nutrition organization assessed the companies on 19 indicators across four categories. Cargill earned the highest overall score, 81.4%, leading across all assessment areas, with the second-highest scoring company achieving just 14.2%. This recognition builds on a major milestone reached in January 2024, when Cargill became the first — and still only known — global edible oil supplier whose entire portfolio complies with the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended limit of no more than two grams of iTFAs per 100 grams of fats and oils in food products — a threshold set to protect public health. Cargill's journey began years earlier, well ahead of the WHO's 2018 REPLACE initiative, which called for the global elimination of industrial trans fats. The company invested millions in capital upgrades, committed thousands of R&D hours and helped hundreds of customers reformulate products. To date, Cargill has helped remove more than 1.5 billion pounds of products containing iTFAs from the global food chain. 'Being recognized by ATNi reinforces our responsibility to lead with purpose — delivering safe, sustainable nutrition through the food and ingredient solutions we provide,' said David VandenEinde, Vice President of R&D for Food North America, Cargill. 'This achievement is the result of decades of innovation, close collaboration with customers like Chantilly, and investment in improved edible oil solutions. We will remain fully engaged with food manufacturers and related stakeholders, working together to help pave the way for a healthier and more resilient global food supply.' According to the WHO's 2024 progress report, as of the end of 2023, only 53 of the world's 195 countries — covering just 46% of the global population — had adopted one of WHO's best practice policies to limit iTFA in foods. That reality puts added meaning to ATNi's call for other suppliers to 'follow Cargill by example.' The company not only drove change within its own operations and with its customers, but it has also worked as a catalyst for global change, actively collaborating with health organizations to share expertise and support policy development in markets where iTFA regulations are still emerging. # # # *Industrially produced trans-fatty acids (iTFAs) are created during the partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils but can also be formed by high thermal treatment during edible oil refining. At high levels of consumption, they have been linked to increased risk of coronary heart disease and mortality, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to recommend eliminating iTFAs from global food supplies. About Cargill Cargill is committed to providing food, ingredients, agricultural solutions, and industrial products to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. Sitting at the heart of the supply chain, we partner with farmers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living. Our approximately 160,000 employees innovate with purpose, providing customers with life's essentials so businesses can grow, communities prosper, and consumers live well. With 160 years of experience as a family company, we look ahead while remaining true to our values. We put people first. We reach higher. We do the right thing—today and for generations to come. For more information, visit and our News Center.
