From May 1, Nestlé’s Product Technology Centre for Confectionery in York will lead all confectionery-related R&D activities.
The manufacturer’s Chocolate Centre of Excellence in Broc, Switzerland will be transformed into a technical unit within the Broc factory, supporting the chocolate business in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.
Improve speed and agility
Commenting on the move, Nestlé said: “Nestlé confirms its intention to streamline its research and development activities dedicated to confectionery to improve its speed and agility of innovation on a global scale.
“This project reflects the increased importance and focus we are giving to the tablet and premium chocolate market that is gaining popularity across the globe.”
The global manufacturing giant has also announced plans to appoint three new non-executive directors to its board.
Nestlé proposed Pablo Isla, ceo of fashion retailer Inditex; Kasper Rorsted, ceo of sports brand Adidas; and Kimberly A Ross, former chief financial officer of oil field services firm Baker Hughes, for election to its board of directors. Elections are to take place at the company’s annual general meeting (AGM) on April 12.
Three current directors – Andreas Koopmann, Steven G Hoch, and Naïna Lal Kidwai – will retire from the board at the AGM.
‘Experience and expertise’
Nestlé’s chairman Paul Bulcke said: “Each of these nominees brings a unique depth of experience and expertise that will be directly relevant to Nestlé.
“These highly accomplished individuals have strong records in successfully navigating today’s rapidly changing consumer environment with creativity and business acumen, leading to sustainable value creation.”
The news followed Nestlé’s sale of its US confectionery business – including well-known brands Crunch, Nerds and Butter Finger – to Italian confectionery giant Ferrero, in a deal worth $2.8bn (£2.03bn).
The deal will see Ferrero become the third-largest confectionery company in the US, just behind market giants Hershey and Mars.