Nestlé Chocolate Centre to combine artistic creativity and cutting-edge science

Nestlé today inaugurated the Chocolate Centre of Excellence in Broc, Switzerland. The Chocolate Centre of Excellence builds on Nestlé’s chocolate-making heritage and will spearhead its drive in the premium and luxury chocolate segment, which in turn will influence the company’s entire chocolate range. The Centre combines a team of Nestlé specialists, from fine cocoa bean scientists, sensory experts and chocolatiers to packaging designers and consumer specialists, with the artistic inspiration of a panel of independent chocolatiers such as Pierre Marcolini, Tristan Carbonatto and Roger von Rotz. This spirit of open innovation is further illustrated by the Centre’s partnership with prestigious external design institutions such as the California Art Center and the ECAL University of Art and Design in Lausanne. The investment of CHF 25 million underlines the strategic importance Nestlé attributes to its chocolate business, especially in the premium and luxury segment. In 2008 the chocolate business reached sales of CHF 9.8 billion, with an organic growth of 7.6%. While global brands such as Kit Kat reached sales of over CHF 1 billion, 70% of Nestlé’s chocolate business comes from local brands. In the premium and luxury segment, which grows above the category average, Nestlé is leader in dark chocolate and is well known for premium brands such as Nestlé Noir, Perugina, Cailler and Nespresso luxury chocolate. The Chocolate Centre of Excellence is part of Nestlé’s research and development network, which comprises 28 centres and employs around 5,000 people worldwide. Nestlé has been providing support to farmers for many years. This commitment to rural development is an expression of the principle of Creating Shared Value, which is part of Nestlé’s business strategy. For a business to be successful in the long term, it must create value not only for its shareholders but also for society and communities at large, from farmers to employees to consumers.