Nestlé reported sales of CHF 21.3 billion in the first quarter of 2026. This represents a 5.7 percent decline compared to the previous year, driven by negative currency effects. On an organic basis, the company grew by 3.5 percent, driven by 1.2 percent internal real growth and 2.3 percent price adjustments. All regions and product categories contributed to growth, with the exception of infant formula in the Nutrition segment. A precautionary recall of infant formula had a negative impact on organic growth in this segment. Product availability has since been restored.
Coffee, snacks, and culinary products drive growth
Philipp Navratil, CEO of Nestlé, explains: "Our first-quarter performance demonstrates that our RIG-led growth strategy is delivering. Results were strong across most Zones and categories, particularly in Coffee and Food & Snacks. Growth in emerging markets stood out. In Europe and the US our performance was robust as our teams successfully navigated the customer and consumer environments. Building on the momentum in the first quarter, we continue to execute our strategy to deliver a stronger Nestlé. In an uncertain and complex environment, I would like to thank all our people for their dedication and our customers and consumers for their trust."
By category, coffee performed particularly strongly and served as the main growth driver. Culinary products and snacks also grew, especially in the confectionery segment. Petcare products also showed steady growth, while the Nutrition segment was impacted by the recall of infant formula.
Regional performance at Nestlé shows significant differences
Regional performance at Nestlé presented a mixed picture in the first quarter, with clear differences in growth across markets. In North and South America, organic growth stood at 3.8 percent. While North America grew moderately, markets in Latin America performed strongly, particularly Mexico and Brazil. In the Asia, Oceania, and Africa region, performance was positive overall, although it was weighed down by declines in China. Excluding China, organic growth stood at 6.4 percent, supported by strong demand in markets such as India, Indonesia, and parts of Africa.
Europe recorded organic growth of 3.9 percent. Performance varied by region: While countries such as Turkey, Scandinavia, and the Iberian Peninsula saw stronger growth, growth in major markets such as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom and Ireland was slowed by the recall of infant formula.
Nestlé is driving forward strategic initiatives and confirms its 2026 forecast
In addition to its operational performance, Nestlé is also consistently advancing its strategic development. The focus is on strengthening growth platforms, targeted investments in brands, and portfolio optimization. At the same time, structural measures are being implemented, such as potential partnerships in the water sector and the divestment of certain businesses in the vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements segment. In addition, an agreement has been reached regarding the sale of Blue Bottle Coffee.
For the full year 2026, Nestlé confirms its outlook and expects organic growth in the range of three to four percent. Internal real growth is expected to increase compared to the previous year, while the operating profit margin is expected to improve over the course of the year.
