The Financial Times reports on an internal Nestlé presentation conceding that "more than 60 per cent of its mainstream food and drinks products do not meet a 'recognised definition of health' and that 'some of our categories and products will never be ‘healthy’ no matter how much we renovate'."
The presentation - which was viewed by FT editors - goes on to say that "only 37 per cent of Nestlé’s food and beverages by revenues, excluding products such as pet food and specialised medical nutrition, achieve a rating above 3.5 under Australia’s health star rating system. This system scores foods out of five stars and is used in research by international groups such as the Access to Nutrition Foundation."
The story goes on to say that "the findings come as food makers contend with a global push to combat obesity and promote healthier eating. Executives at Nestlé are considering what new commitments to make on nutrition and are aiming to unveil plans this year."
Responding to the FT report about the presentation, Nestlé said: “In recent years, we have launched thousands of products for kids and families that meet external nutrition yardsticks. We have also distributed billions of micronutrient doses via our affordable and nutritious products … We believe that a healthy diet means finding a balance between wellbeing and enjoyment. This includes having some space for indulgent foods, consumed in moderation."
- KC's View:
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The political writer Michael Kinsley famously said that a political gaffe is when some politician actually tells the truth … and the same probably could be said for a business gaffe. Except in this case, someone not only said the truth out loud, but apparently also put it in a power point.
