Nestlé boss outlines four-pillar strategy to reignite growth

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Nestlé’s new CEO is reshaping the food giant around four core categories to drive sales after a slump and leadership shake-up.

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Nestlé’s new chief executive, Philipp Navratil, is planning a strategic overhaul to reignite growth at the world’s largest food maker by refocusing the company on four core product categories, people familiar with the matter told The Financial Times.

The move marks a shift from Nestlé’s existing region-based structure toward a more product-centred strategy encompassing coffee, pet care, nutrition and health, and food and snacking. Leaders hope this sharpening of focus will help drive volume growth amid sluggish sales and changing consumer trends.

The Financial Times report comes as Nestlé deals with lingering challenges, including an extended recall of infant formula products in France and pressure from investors for clearer direction and improved performance.

Under the new approach, savings from internal realignment are expected to be channelled into product development and marketing for core brands such as KitKat, Maggi, and Nespresso, with coffee identified as a key growth area given its global popularity. Pet care — particularly in Asia and therapeutic segments — is also seen as a growth lever.

Analysts say the four-pillar strategy could lay the groundwork for deeper organisational restructuring and divestments, although executives have not commented publicly. While Nestlé declined to comment on the FT report, industry observers believe consolidating around fewer, stronger categories could improve agility.

For shareholders, the refocused strategy reflects an effort to simplify the sprawling portfolio while boosting visibility on growth opportunities in high-potential segments. The company’s emphasis on volume growth and brand investment is poised to shape its performance through 2026 and beyond.