Nestle is increasing production in Viet Nam and diversifying exports to turn the country into a global hub for food and beverage products.

In 2021, it announced fresh investment of US$132 million to double its premium coffee processing capacity to meet local demand and export to more than 25 markets, including Europe, Japan and the US.

They include high-value products such as Nescafe Dolce Gusto coffee capsules and freeze-dried coffee, and product previously imported from Europe.

The company has stepped up research and development and production of items customised for various markets to increase exports, such as halal products for Muslim customers and kosher for Jews.

Nguyen Tran Hoang Yen, supply chain director at Nestle Vietnam, said: “To ensure sustainable export and add value for ‘Made in Vietnam’ products, we constantly invest in technology, value chains and product diversification."

Sustainable and responsible sourcing is one of Nestle’s ongoing business initiative. It sources coffee that meets the Common Code for the Coffee Community standards and has obtained the Rainforest Alliance certification for sustainable agricultural development and organic coffee certification.

Since 2011, Nestle Vietnam has been working with coffee farmers in the Central Highlands to strengthen the value chain, control and improve product quality and ensure sustainability.

Its exports increased by 30 per cent in 2022. Exports are expected to continue growing in double digits this year, the company said.

It was named among Viet Nam’s “Prestigious Exporters” from the Ministry of Industry and Trade in 2020 and 2021. — VNS