Nestle: why does this famous company have a bad reputation

Nestle: why does this famous company have a bad reputation

Boycott:

Definition: To refuse to buy or use something as a form of protest.

Example: 

The Boston Tea Party was a historical event where everyone in America boycotted British tea because they were charging an unfair and high tax on their tea.

Brag:

Definition: to talk proudly about something, often in an annoying way (shows you are very happy about something and want others to know because you think others will believe it is cool).

Example: 

My Friend bought a new Lamborghini and he wont stop bragging about it.

Dilute:

Definition: To make something weaker or less concentrated, often by adding water.

Example: 

When I get coffee at Starbucks, I dilute it by adding water because it's too strong.

Comply:

Definition: To follow and adhere to rules or requests.

Example: 

All businesses need to comply with local laws.

Substitute:

Definition: something that can take the place of another or replace something else.

Example: 

I like to be healthy, so when i cook, I usually substitute butter with olive oil.

Formula:

Definition: A type of milk for babies that is made from powder or liquid.

Example: 

Baby formula is very expensive but my daughter needs it.

Nestle: why does this famous company have a bad reputation

Nestlé, a massive global business in the food and beverage sector, recorded $84.3 billion in sales during 2020. With over 2,000 brands under its ownership, the company's website says that many people probably use their products, even when the Nestlé name is not on the packaging. However, a quick search on google will reveal the numerous criticisms and consumers that are boycotting the company.

Since the 1970s, Nestlé has faced organized boycotts, especially after their manipulative marketing strategies for baby formula that targeted mothers in poor countries and claimed that Nestle formula was better than breast milk and would make their baby smarter. Nestle was publicly criticized for telling these women to choose expensive substitutes over breastfeeding.

Reports from organizations like War on Want explained how these women would dilute the formula to make it last longer, and they would often use unsanitary water, which resulted several cases of serious malnutrition. Nestlé now agrees that breastfeeding is the best option for infants and that they comply with World Health Organization rules regarding formula marketing.

Nestlé has also been accused of draining local water reserves to sustain their bottled water business. In the 2005 documentary "We Feed the World," former Nestlé chairman Peter Brabeck-Letmathe's description of water as a human right as "extreme" was seen by some as a denial of this right.

Brabeck-Letmathe later clarified to The Guardian that he agrees everyone has a right to have access to drinking water and sanitation, but not for other uses. Nestlé also said that they would like to work with partners to protect global water resources.

Recently, executives from a company in Papua New Guinea, which is supplying Nestlé with palm oil, admitted to labor exploitation and child labor. Human rights organization Global Witness secretly recorded these executives from East New Britain Resources Group (ENB) bragging about these abuses, as reported by Euronews.

ENB also used to do business with many other huge companies like Colgate-Palmolive and Kellogg’s. However, Britain's Channel 4 news made a report that all of these huge companies have ended their business relationships with ENB. Recently, Nestlé announced that they will make efforts to protect worker rights within the palm oil industry.

Reflective Questions:

1. Do you usually buy any Nestle products?

2. Are there any companies that you avoid buying products from?

3. What are the most popular food and beverage companies in your country?

4. Are there any products that you feel guilty about buying? Why?

5. There is a phrase "you vote with your dollar," do you agree or disagree with this phrase?