With sales of CHF 109.9 billion in 2008, Nestlé is the world's leading nutrition, health and wellness company. The company employs more than 280,000 people and has 456 factories in 84 countries. Nestlé products are sold in almost every country in the world.
Founded in 1866 in Vevey, Switzerland, where it is still based, Nestlé has often been called "the multinational among multinationals". Only about 1.5 percent of its sales are generated in its home country, and all but 12 of its factories are situated abroad. The CEO is Paul Bulcke, and the General Management includes a Belgian, two Canadians, one Dutch, a Frenchman, a German, a South African/British, three Spaniards, one Swiss, one American and a Swiss-American.
Nestlé is a truly public company with over 250,000 shareholders of which around one third are Swiss. No single shareholder owns more than 3% of the stock. US investors who, together, hold over 30% of the capital, can purchase ADRs through a sponsored program.
As the world's leading nutrition, health and wellness company, Nestlé is the worldwide leader in product categories such as soluble coffee, infant nutrition, bottled water, condensed and evaporated milk, ice cream, as well as chocolate and malt drinks, and culinary. The Group is also a co-leader in pet care.
The Company is committed to delivering shareholder value through sustainable, capital efficient and profitable long-term growth. Over the past years it has concentrated on furthering organic growth and performance improvement.
