Nestlé reports three-month sales for 2020, provides COVID-19 update

According to the company, growth was supported by strong momentum in the Americas and Zone EMENA. Zone AOA saw a sharp sales decline. Total reported sales decreased by 6.2% to CHF 20.8 bn (3M-2019: CHF 22.2 bn). Acquisitions net of divestitures reduced sales by 4.7%, foreign exchange reduced sales by 5.8%.

On current occasion Nestlé has published the following statement: “The COVID-19 crisis is having an extraordinary and far-reaching impact on all our lives. Since the earliest stages of the pandemic, we have been working closely with local authorities and business partners to respond to the challenge. We have three key priorities: safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our people, ensuring business continuity to meet consumer needs and supporting communities all over the world with local relief efforts. In these difficult times, many of our business partners are facing serious challenges, which create enormous uncertainty for their employees and families. We will continue to be a dependable business partner and make every possible effort to adapt to the evolving situation.

For our out-of-home and food service customers, who have been severely affected, we are offering prompt and pragmatic assistance to weather the crisis and help them restart their businesses. For example, under our `Always open for You` initiative, we are extending payment terms, suspending rental fees for coffee machines and offering free products. The total value of this initiative is expected to be around CHF 500 m. Another example is our dairy supply chain. We are directly working with more than 200,000 dairy farmers globally. Dairy is highly perishable, and many farmers are now facing significant demand disruptions. We are fully meeting our commitments to buy agreed volumes in order to help sustain their livelihoods. Since the beginning of this pandemic, we have engaged in numerous projects around the world as a reliable employer and business partner as well as a trusted neighbor and citizen in the 187 countries where we operate. Our commitment is certain and unwavering.”