By Peter Ejiofor
As year winds down, Nestlé Nigeria says it will consolidate on its existing relationships as well as ensure best practices in sourcing raw materials locally.
The company restated its commitment to responsible sourcing of raw materials locally its last Supplier’s Day in Lagos on Dec. 14, an event that united all the key players who supply raw materials, packaging materials, services and indirect materials to Nestlé.
“With about 80% local sourcing reached in 2018, the company is poised to increase the percentages where possible in the coming years.
“We work with more than 1,000 direct suppliers, 700 of which are local suppliers,’’ said Nestor Finalo, Supply Chain Manager for Nestlé Nigeria at the event.
“We hope to invest more in local suppliers who are able to meet with the quality requirements of Nestlé.
“Responsible sourcing has always been at the core of Nestlé Nigeria’s operations, especially in a society where consumers and stakeholders increasingly want to know what is in their food, where it comes from and how it is made.
“Nestlé Nigeria has responded to these demands by ensuring transparency and compliance in its supply chain.”
Finalo added: “The company continues to urge its suppliers to adhere to the highest ethical standards and procedures.
“All our suppliers must imbibe and adhere to good ethical practices whether in terms of labour laws, working hours or relationship with the environment.
“We have also put structures in place to ensure that quality is not compromised.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the suppliers at the event reaffirmed their trust in Nestlé, while identifying opportunities for improvement to better meet the company’s requirements.
Commenting, one of the key players said: “We are confident that we will be able to reach and surpass Nestlé’s standards on quality.
“We are happy about our partnership and hope to do more with Nestlé in the coming years.”
Earlier, the Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager for Nestlé Nigeria, Victoria Uwadoka, said: “The Suppliers Day presents a unique opportunity for us to celebrate everyone who supplies the products or services that help us produce high quality nutritious products.
“We are certain that this relationship will be sustained in the long-term as we work together to meet consumer expectations by ensuring responsible sourcing practices.”
She reaffirmed Nestlé Nigeria’s commitment to work together with its suppliers to ensure that they had all the support they needed to continue to grow their businesses while contributing to the company’s growth.
“This is in line with Nestlé’s Creating Shared Value principles.
“To strengthen supplier relationships, Nestlé Suppliers Day will continue to be held annually going forward.
“There will also be opportunities for training, skills and capacity building for the company’s top suppliers.
“This event will be carried out yearly to keep you abreast of the company’s best practices and to develop even stronger partnerships,” Uwadoka said.
Closing the event, Finalo said, “We will also hold workshops and joint trainings to improve quality of deliveries and empower you, our esteemed suppliers.”
The top management executives of all Nestlé Key suppliers attended the event.
Nestlé Nigeria Plc began simple trading operations in Nigeria in 1961 and has grown into a leading food manufacturing and marketing company.
It is now the biggest food company in West Africa. Nestlé Nigeria employs around 2,300 people and has three world-class factories.
Nestlé Nigeria manufactures and markets a range of high quality brands including NESTLÉ PURE LIFE, GOLDEN MORN, MILO, MAGGI and NESCAFÉ.
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