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Nestle reports higher sales as consumers bear the brunt of inflation

Nestle reported higher sales in the first half of the year even as it increased prices by 6.5% (REUTERS)

The makers of KitKat chocolate total sales grew by 9.2%, to 45.6 billion Swiss francs ($47.53 billion), compared with the same period last year.

However, the Swiss company's net profit shrink by 11.7%, to 5.2 billion Swiss francs ($5.42 billion), because of one-time expenses such as taxes.

According to Associated Press, Nestle's biggest sales driver was Purina, but KitKat and plant-based food all grew at double-digit rates.

It saw strong growth for baby formula after a shortage in the US this year. One of the largest formula suppliers, Nestle ramped up US imports after the nation's largest domestic manufacturing plant closed in February over safety concerns.

CEO Mark Schneider said the company “limited the impact of unprecedented inflationary pressures and supply chain constraints" and pointed to “growing food insecurity around the world and heightened climate concerns" as driving its mission.

“Good for you and good for the planet are the two key strategic pillars that our company pursues in an unwavering manner, even in the face of significant short-term challenges," he said.

With soaring inflation eating into people’s spending power, Nestle said it works to keep its products affordable based on wages in different parts of the world and focuses on nutrition education and boosting nutrients in products based on local needs.

However, Nestle also has turned to “shrinkflation," slimming down its Nescafe Azera Americano coffee tins from 100 grams to 90 grams in the United Kingdom but charging the same price.

The company had faced criticism for sales in Russia after the country invaded Ukraine. It previously said it would pull KitKat, Nesquik milkshake powder and other brands but continue to supply essentials like medications and baby formula.

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