As the importance of sustainable development continues to grow, businesses are no longer viewing the 'green' trend as merely a competitive edge but as a crucial aspect of their investment strategies, according to Nestlé Vietnam.

Speaking at VIR’s annual sustainable development conference on November 12, Le Hoai Thuong, Nestlé's senior corporate affairs manager, expressed that dual transition is not a passing trend, but a long-term commitment embedded in the strategic priorities of leading companies.

Nestlé Vietnam stands out as a pioneer in green and digital transformation, proving that a sustainable approach is not only essential for overcoming challenges, but also for thriving in an increasingly demanding international market. According to Thuong, Nestlé Vietnam began laying the groundwork for its sustainability efforts in 2010-2011 when it committed to responsible sourcing coffee from local farmers. “At that time, the concept of green transformation was not as widely recognised, but we saw the potential and importance of sustainable sourcing,” she noted.

For a major food company like Nestlé, sourcing raw materials, particularly agricultural products, is a cornerstone of its operations. “This is true not only for domestic production but also for meeting the demands of global markets, such as Europe,” Thuong shared. “By establishing sustainable sourcing standards early on, We have mitigated risks arising from increasingly stringent international regulations on emissions and traceability.” This foresight helps ensure the company’s ongoing success and strengthens its supply chain.

Recognising the critical role farmers play, Nestlé has also partnered with them to transition towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices. The group has embraced digital tools to support farmers in managing their finances more efficiently. Additionally, Nestlé has introduced a ‘farm diary’ app, enabling farmers to record income and expenses, optimise their profits, and increase transparency in their operations.

Le Hoai Thuong, Nestlé's senior corporate affairs manager, at VIR's conference. Photo: Duc Thanh

This initiative encourages farmers to adopt sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and their livelihoods. Through these efforts, the group has helped create a generation of entrepreneurial farmers and individuals who engage in agriculture and understand the broader importance of sustainable business practices.

Nestlé Vietnam has focused on enhancing its export capabilities to meet the increasingly rigorous standards of global markets, particularly in traceability and emissions. By preparing to track emissions from the raw material supply stage, the group is positioning itself for long-term success as more countries introduce mandatory sustainability standards. This proactive approach gives the company a competitive edge and aligns it with the growing global demand for transparency and environmental responsibility.

By focusing on sustainable sourcing, supporting farmers, and collaborating with suppliers, the company has built a solid foundation for sustainable growth and success in the international market. These efforts not only help Nestlé meet its sustainable development goals but also position the company as a leader in environmental responsibility, ready to meet the growing demands of the global market.

VIR