Agribusiness TNC Nestle (Brazil)

Geo context

• Brazil is located in south america

• traditionally known for its diverse and nutrient-rich diets centered around staples like rice, beans, and fresh produce. However, due to TV internet advertising, as well urbanization, has been undergoing a significant nutritional transition. This shift is characterized by increased consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), leading to rising rates of obesity and non-communicable diseases. Transnational corporations (TNCs), notably Nestlé, have played a pivotal role in this transformation.

Nestle

• TNC based in Switzerland that deals with food and beverages such as Nespresso, kitkats, bottled water, etc.

• 95% of Brazilian households consume at least one Nestlé product daily . The company's extensive product portfolio includes baby food, dairy products, chocolates, cereals, and beverages, catering to a wide demographic.

Geo context

• Brazil is located in south america

• traditionally known for its diverse and nutrient-rich diets centered around staples like rice, beans, and fresh produce. However, due to TV internet advertising, as well urbanization, has been undergoing a significant nutritional transition. This shift is characterized by increased consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), leading to rising rates of obesity and non-communicable diseases. Transnational corporations (TNCs), notably Nestlé, have played a pivotal role in this transformation.

Nestle

• TNC based in Switzerland that deals with food and beverages such as Nespresso, kitkats, bottled water, etc.

• 95% of Brazilian households consume at least one Nestlé product daily . The company's extensive product portfolio includes baby food, dairy products, chocolates, cereals, and beverages, catering to a wide demographic.

Aggressive Marketing

• door-to-door saleswomen, often from local communities, to sell Nestlé products directly to consumers in underserved areas, including favelas. This approach not only increases product accessibility but also fosters brand loyalty.

• Nestlé has extended its reach to remote regions, including the Amazon, through initiatives like the "floating supermarket," introducing UPFs to communities with limited access to nutritional education.

Impact on consumption

• Increased Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods: There has been a marked rise in the intake of packaged snacks, sugary cereals, and sweetened beverages, often at the expense of traditional staples.

  • ultra-processed foods contribute to 21.5% of the average daily energy intake

• $4.4 billion dollars in sales, reflecting their significant market presence in Brazil

Impact on Epidemiological Transition

Brazil is experiencing an epidemiological transition characterized by a shift from communicable diseases to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as leading causes of morbidity and mortality. The increased consumption of UPFs, heavily promoted by companies like Nestlé, has been linked to this shift.

• 1 in four are obese