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Nestlé Considers Reductions in Sales Positions in France

Nestlé Considers Reductions in Sales Positions in France cuts, France, Jobs, Nestlé, sales Food and Beverage Business

Nestlé, a global leader in the food industry, is set to eliminate approximately 150 jobs in France while simultaneously outsourcing the marketing of several key brands, according to statements made by a trade union.

Informed by the trade union CFDT Agri-Agro, this strategic move by Nestlé entails the reduction of 148 roles within its sales force in France. This initiative is being portrayed as part of the company’s broader efforts to streamline operations and increase efficiency.

The world’s largest food manufacturer has also indicated its intention to outsource the marketing functions specifically for popular products, including Nestlé cereals, Maggi, and Nesquik. This decision marks a significant shift in how the company plans to manage its brand presence in the French market.

The CFDT asserts that Nestlé’s recent divestment in July of its baby-food assets in France should be viewed as a “pretext” for these changes. They argue that the company is leveraging this sale to justify job cuts and a reduction in its sales team.

In response, Nestlé’s branch in France refrained from directly addressing the potential job losses or the specific number of positions affected, stating only that discussions are in progress. “A dialogue is currently ongoing with the unions as part of an information-consultation process, for which a decision is expected to be made by the end of the year. At this stage of the process, it is only a project, and priority is given to the unions,” a representative from Nestlé France commented.

According to the CFDT, a meeting held recently among staff representatives strongly criticized the company’s plans. They expressed concerns by declaring, “This model, presented as a ‘growth project’ by management, is, in fact, very clearly designed to meet the profitability imperatives imposed by the group.”

Nestlé, in its defense, stated that the proposed changes are rooted in a “thorough reflection” of what the Swiss company describes as “a dynamic of changes in our environment.” This includes multiple factors influencing their operational framework, such as “a highly competitive landscape; a deep transformation phase that the retail sector is undergoing in France; and an evolution of our brand portfolio over the past few years.”

The company emphasized the necessity for “an adaptation of the scope of activities covered by the Nestlé France sales force” as a proactive response to the current market dynamics.

Notably, Nestlé executed the sale of its baby-food assets in France to FnB Private Equity back in July. This transaction, covering well-known brands like NaturNes, Babicao, and Babivanille, was completed for an undisclosed sum and signifies a strategic shift in the company’s portfolio management.

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