Nestlé is largely “immune” from the impact of tariffs, the company’s chief executive said, with the world’s largest food producer benefiting from its more localized manufacturing footprint.
Laurent Freixe told reporters while the Lean Cuisine maker is closely watching global trade and tariffs, it benefits from the fact that most of the products sold are manufactured in their respective markets. In the U.S., for example, Nestlé produces about 90% of what it sells domestically.
“We are in a unique, privileged position, which is giving us resilience to significant movements,” Freixe, who took over as CEO last September, told reporters following the release of Nestlé’s fourth-quarter earnings.
Food and beverage makers are closely following the impact that tariffs from the Trump administration could have on their businesses. Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey said earlier this week the beverage maker could switch to more plastic bottles from aluminum cans if input costs for the commodity become too expensive.
For Nestlé, the Switzerland-based company has “lots of mechanics to mitigate any tariff that we do see come through, be it pricing, be it changing our sourcing,.” according to CFO Anna Manz.
She noted Nestlé’s guidance for 2025 does not factor in any impact from tariffs. While it’s hard to predict what is going to happen with trade policy, Manz warned any new duties could “charge the inflationary environment relatively quickly.”
Tariffs would raise costs at a time when CPG companies already feel pressure from a prolonged period of inflation. Businesses have raised prices to boost sales and offset higher expenses, but those moves have forced consumers to cut back on how much they buy or switch to private label or more innovative brands. READ MORE
by Christopher Doering
Source: fooddive.com
Diageo has today (10 November 2025) announced the appointment of Dave Lewis to the role of CEO and executive director, effective 1 January 2026. Lewis steps into the role following the departure of former CEO Debra Crew, who stepped down in July. Nik Jhangiani, the company’s chief financial officer, has been serving as interim CEO since.
Before joining TBG, Chibe served as CEO of Pabst Brewing Company. His previous roles include president and CEO of Ferrero North America, US chief marketing officer at Anheuser-Busch InBev and senior leadership positions at Wrigley.
Located in Southern Minas Gerais, the brewery aims to enhance the company’s supply chain by bringing production closer to key consumer hubs in Brazil’s Southeast region. With an initial capacity of up to five hectolitres per year, the plant will produce Heineken and Amstel products – both 100% pure malt brands.
