Nestlé boosting local supplier ecosystem in Nigeria

Isola Moses

Aside from empowering Nigerian farmers and boosting the stakeholders’ fortune in the agricultural sector of the nation’s economy, Nestlé Nigeria Plc has reiterated its commitment to pursuing an aggressive roadmap to increase its local content from current level of 80 percent.

The company restated the commitment in a statement after its 2019 Suppliers’ Day event in Lagos.

The occasion was the conglomerate’s annual meeting, which brings together key suppliers of its raw materials, packaging materials, services and indirect services to share best practices.

It said an increased local content was expected to place the company at the forefront of supporting the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country through its local sourcing, backward integration and supplier development initiatives.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports Mr. Nestor Finalo, Supply Chain Manager for Nestlé Nigeria, in his presentation at the event, said: “Responsible sourcing has always been at the core of Nestlé Nigeria’s operations.

“We are committed to long-term partnerships with our suppliers as we sustain efforts towards increasing the percentage of raw and packaging materials sourced locally.’’

According to him, the brand’s quality remained non-negotiable.

“As a company, we prepare for the future by investing in new technologies and products, while maintaining our strong focus on quality and striving for zero impact of our operations on the environment.

“Local Sourcing is not only a smart business decision to ensure supply but also the right thing to do.

It contributes to transforming small and medium-scale businesses involved in Nestlé’s value chain either directly or indirectly, Mr. Filano said.

“Raw materials currently sourced locally by Nestlé include maize, cassava, palm olein, sorghum, soya and salt”, as it also “sources over 90 per cent of its packaging materials locally.”

“The company is exploring more local sourcing opportunities which still exist for various spices, vegetables and high-quality cassava flour,’’ the statement quoted Finalo.

The event focused on Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), ongoing measures for continuous improvement of suppliers’ performance, and on consolidation of partnerships in the country.

Mr. Joseph Tanson, Country Procurement Manager, Nestlé Nigeria, urged suppliers to take advantage of the new opportunities, while adhering to the highest ethical standards and procedures in line with Nestlé’s responsible sourcing policies.

Participants in the event expressed their satisfaction, commending Nestlé for the continued collaboration with suppliers, which had provided opportunities for their development.

In turn, they stated, there is creation of job opportunities, a key touch point in the journey towards a more sustainable economic system for the country.

Nestlé Nigeria manufactures and markets a range of high quality brands, including Nestle Pure Life, Golden Morn, Milo, Maggi and Nescafe.