Nestle Drives Digital Innovation

Nestle has set up an innovation outpost in Silicon Valley, Calif. to help deepen relationships with consumers online and in social media.

The aim is to enhance existing partnerships with the world's largest technology corporations while looking for pioneers among the thousands of small technology startups that Nestl can work with.

In the fast growing area of digital engagement Nestle wants to use the innovation outpost to build on the progress made in recent years to better understand consumers’ needs and respond to them more quickly.
It will also help brands manage their growing fan bases – on Facebook alone, Nestle pages have more than 180 million fans, and publish more than 1,500 pieces of content a day.

Consumer benefits
“The pace of innovation taking place in Silicon Valley is really impressive,” says Patrice Bula, Nestl’s Head of Marketing. “Organizations there are shaping the future of consumer communication.

“We have an enormous amount of nutrition knowledge and expertise within our company. We are determined leverage this through digital technology and online content, in meaningful and engaging ways for our consumers,” he continues. “Building a stronger network in the region will allow us to move faster in our efforts to combine new technology with opportunities to bring our consumers greater benefits.”

Strategic partnerships
Nestl already has strategic partnerships with Facebook and Google, and is establishing close links with Twitter.

It has also created Digital Acceleration Teams at its headquarters in Switzerland - and in various markets worldwide including China, India and Italy - to help develop its relationships with consumers online. And many of the company’s brands have been embracing new technology.

In September, a surprise partnership with Google saw the technology company name the latest version of its Android mobile operating system "Android KitKat", after Nestle’s famous confectionery.

Earlier this year, Nestle acquired its first-ever online content property, when its Purina Petcare business bought Petfinder, a web site for pet adoption.
In February, Nestle launched a digital initiative to give consumers instant access to information about its products’ nutritional profile, and environmental and social impacts, simply by scanning them with a smartphone.

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