Nestlé, South Africa Enter Research Partnership

VEVEY, SwitzerlandNestlé has entered into a new research partnership the South African government to provide the scientific basis for sound nutrition and food-safety policies, as well as identify research needs for science-based regulations on food, nutrition and health. The partnership is coordinated by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), part of the governments Department for Science and Technology (DST).

The partnership will provide South African scientists with exposure to Nestlés extensive research capabilities, in particular the companys expertise in nutrition, food science and food safety. It also will allow Nestlé to better understand the nutrition needs of consumers in South Africa, and accelerate the development of products with an improved nutrition profile at the right price for consumers in emerging markets.

We are delighted to have this opportunity to fund future research projects at the CSIR and to share expertise with the South African scientific community," said Nandu Nandkishore, Nestlés Executive Vice President and Head of Zone Africa, Oceania, Asia and the Middle East.

Some of the research will focus on how locally sourced ingredients can be used to create foods that provide health benefits. Part of Nestlés global research and development effort is directed toward discovering new bioactive ingredients. Researchers also test how well the ingredients target different tissues in the body once ingested, as well as their effectiveness in helping to promote health.

The joint venture will add value to our indigenous resources through exposure to modern technologies for developing new food products," said CSIR CEO Dr. Sibusiso Sibisi. New products developed through this collaboration will be manufactured in South Africa in compliance with international standards, leading to the development of new skills and ultimately the creation of new jobs in the biosciences industry."