Organic growth reached 8.7%, with pricing of 9.5% and real internal growth (RIG) of - 0.8%. Growth was broad-based across geographies and categories.

•  Total reported sales increased by 1.6% to CHF 46.3 billion (6M-2022: CHF 45.6 billion). Foreign exchange decreased sales by 6.7%. Net acquisitions had a negative impact of 0.4%.
•  The underlying trading operating profit (UTOP) margin was 17.1%, up 20 basis points on a reported basis and 30 basis points in constant currency. The trading operating profit (TOP) margin increased by 120 basis points to 15.9% on a reported basis, reflecting one-off items in the prior year.
•  Underlying earnings per share increased by 11.1% in constant currency and increased by 4.1% on a reported basis to CHF 2.43. Earnings per share increased by 10.6% to CHF 2.13 on a reported basis.
•  Free cash flow increased by CHF 1.9 billion to CHF 3.4 billion, mainly reflecting lower inventory levels.
•  Full-year 2023 outlook updated: we are increasing organic sales growth guidance to a range of 7% to 8%. The underlying trading operating profit margin is expected to be between 17.0% and 17.5%. Underlying earnings per share in constant currency is expected to increase between 6% and 10%.

Mark Schneider, Nestlé CEO, commented: 'We pursued our strategic priorities with discipline and focus in a fast-evolving consumer environment. Based on the strong performance in the first half of the year we upgrade our organic sales growth outlook for 2023. At-home consumption post-COVID has now normalized, removing a growth drag on some of our categories. Out-of-home channels continue to see strong growth momentum.

Group sales

Organic growth was 8.7%. Pricing was 9.5%, reflecting the impact of cost inflation over the last two years. RIG was - 0.8%, with a negative impact of around 60 basis points from portfolio optimization actions. Remaining capacity constraints also limited RIG. Overall, demand elasticity was limited in the context of pricing actions.

Growth was broad-based across most geographies and categories. In developed markets, organic growth was 8.0%, led by pricing with negative RIG. In emerging markets, organic growth was 9.6%, driven by pricing and flat RIG.

By product category, Purina PetCare was the largest contributor to organic growth, with strong momentum for both wet and dry offerings. Purina ONE, Purina Pro Plan and Friskies all recorded double-digit growth. Coffee saw high single-digit growth, with positive sales developments across brands and a continued recovery for out-of-home channels. Infant Nutrition posted double-digit growth, with broad-based contributions across brands and geographies. Dairy reported high single-digit growth, with strong demand for coffee creamers and affordable fortified milks. Confectionery recorded double-digit growth, fueled by a strong sales development for KitKat. Prepared dishes and cooking aids posted mid single-digit growth, led by Maggi. Nestlé Health Science recorded low single-digit growth, with a return to positive growth for vitamins, minerals and supplements in the second quarter, led by Garden of Life and Pure Encapsulations. Despite temporary capacity constraints for Perrier, water posted mid single-digit growth led by S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna.

By channel, organic growth in retail sales remained robust at 8.0%. E-commerce sales grew by 13.5%, reaching 16.7% of total Group sales. Organic growth of out-of-home channels was 17.1%.

Net divestitures decreased sales by 0.4%, largely related to the divestment of a majority stake in Freshly as well as the disposal of the Gerber Good Start infant formula brand. The impact on sales from foreign exchange was negative at 6.7%, following broad-based appreciation of the Swiss Franc. Total reported sales increased by 1.6% to CHF 46.3 billion.

Underlying Trading Operating Profit

Underlying trading operating profit increased by 2.9% to CHF 7.9 billion. The underlying trading operating profit margin reached 17.1%, an increase of 20 basis points on a reported basis and 30 basis points in constant currency.

Gross margin decreased by 40 basis points to 45.6%, following significant inflation for commodity and packaging costs as well as salaries and wages. Pricing, cost efficiencies and portfolio optimization helped to partly offset the impact of cost inflation. Compared to the second half of 2022, gross margin improved by 110 basis points.

Distribution costs as a percentage of sales decreased by 50 basis points to 8.6% of sales, mainly as a result of lower freight and energy costs.

Marketing and administration expenses as a percentage of sales were 18.6%. Within this line item, advertising and marketing expenses were 7.1% of sales, increasing by 50 basis points compared to the second half of 2022. In constant currency, advertising and marketing expenses increased by 7.5% compared to the prior year.

Net other trading items decreased to CHF 0.6 billion from CHF 1.0 billion, reflecting one-off items in the prior year, particularly asset impairments. As a result, trading operating profit increased by 10.0% to CHF 7.4 billion. The trading operating profit margin reached 15.9%, an increase of 120 basis points on a reported basis and 130 basis points in constant currency. This increase reflects one-off items in the prior year and an improved underlying trading operating profit margin in the current year.

Net Financial Expenses and Income Tax

Net financial expenses increased to CHF 697 million. The average cost of net debt was 2.6% compared to 1.9% in the first half of 2022.

The Group reported tax rate decreased by 90 basis points to 23.3% as a result of one-off items. The underlying tax rate decreased by 30 basis points to 20.6%, mainly due to the geographic and business mix.

Net Profit and Earnings Per Share

Net profit increased by 7.7% to CHF 5.6 billion. Net profit margin increased by 70 basis points to 12.2% on a reported basis and by 90 basis points in constant currency. The increase was mainly due to one-off items in the prior year. As a result, earnings per share increased by 10.6% to CHF 2.13 on a reported basis.

Underlying earnings per share increased by 11.1% in constant currency and by 4.1% on a reported basis to CHF 2.43. The increase was mainly the result of strong organic growth and improved underlying trading operating profit margin. Nestlé's share buyback program contributed 1.4% to the underlying earnings per share increase, net of finance costs.

Cash Flow

Cash generated from operations increased to CHF 7.1 billion from CHF 5.7 billion. The step up was mainly due to working capital movements, particularly lower inventory levels. Free cash flow increased to CHF 3.4 billion from CHF 1.5 billion, as working capital movements and the CHF 643 million proceeds from the disposal of the Prometheus Biosciences stake more than offset higher capital expenditure.

Share Buyback Program

In the first half, the Group repurchased CHF 2.4 billion of Nestlé shares as part of the three-year CHF 20 billion share buyback program, which began in January 2022.

Net Debt

Net debt increased to CHF 55.6 billion as at June 30, 2023, compared to CHF 48.2 billion at December 31, 2022. The increase largely reflected the dividend payment of CHF 7.8 billion and share buybacks of CHF 2.6 billion.

Portfolio Management

Nestlé and private equity firm PAI Partners have agreed to set up a joint venture for Nestlé’s frozen pizza business in Europe, creating a dedicated player in a competitive and dynamic category. Nestlé will retain a non-controlling stake with equal voting rights alongside PAI Partners, remaining invested in this business and participating in future growth and value creation in the category. The transaction is expected to close on September 1, 2023, subject to the approval of regulatory authorities.

The strategic review of Palforzia, the peanut allergy treatment, is progressing, with several options under consideration. In the first half of 2023, the business has significantly enhanced its cost structure and seen some progress in sales development.

Zone Asia, Oceania and Africa (AOA)

• 9.3% organic growth: 0.1% RIG; 9.2% pricing.

• The underlying trading operating profit margin decreased by 70 basis points to 22.8%.

Organic growth was 11.6%, with pricing of 12.5% and RIG of - 0.9%. Foreign exchange had a negative impact of 4.3%. Reported sales in Zone Latin America increased by 7.5% to CHF 6.1 billion.

Organic growth was 9.3%, with RIG of 0.1%. Pricing increased to 9.2%, with broad-based contributions from all geographies and categories. Foreign exchange reduced sales by 12.1%. Reported sales in Zone AOA decreased by 2.9% to CHF 9.1 billion.

Growth in Zone AOA was driven by pricing, continued momentum of out-of-home channels and innovation. The Zone saw market share gains in coffee, culinary and confectionery.

South-East Asia posted mid single-digit growth, with strong sales developments in coffee, culinary and Infant Nutrition. South Asia recorded strong double-digit growth, led by KitKat and Munch as well as Maggi and Nescafé. Middle East and Africa saw double-digit growth, with particular strength for affordable offerings in culinary, Infant Nutrition and coffee. Japan reported mid single-digit growth, driven by KitKat and Purina PetCare. South Korea posted high single-digit growth, fueled by Starbucks products. Oceania recorded high single-digit growth, supported by Purina PetCare, KitKat and Nescafé.

By product category, Infant Nutrition was the largest growth contributor, led by Lactogen, NAN and Cerelac. Culinary recorded double-digit growth, based on distribution expansion and strong execution for Maggi. Coffee saw high single-digit growth, with continued robust demand for Nescafé and Starbucks products. The recently launched Starbucks ready-to-drink products resonated strongly with consumers. Sales for Nestlé Professional grew at a strong double-digit rate across most geographies and categories, supported by channel penetration and customer acquisition. Confectionery reported double-digit growth, fueled by strong momentum for KitKat. Purina PetCare saw high single-digit growth, led by Supercoat, Purina ONE and Felix. Cocoa and malt beverages posted low single-digit growth, supported by Milo powder and ready-to-drink products.

The Zone's underlying trading operating profit margin decreased by 70 basis points. The impact of input cost inflation and currency depreciation more than offset pricing and disciplined cost control.

Nestlé Health Science

• 3.5% organic growth: - 1.9% RIG; 5.3% pricing.

• The underlying trading operating profit margin decreased by 70 basis points to 13.0%.

Organic growth was 3.5%, with pricing of 5.3%. RIG was - 1.9%, following extraordinary growth over the last three years during the pandemic. Net acquisitions increased sales by 6.0%, largely related to the acquisition of Orgain. Foreign exchange negatively impacted sales by 4.8%. Reported sales in Nestlé Health Science increased by 4.7% to CHF 3.3 billion.

Growth in Nestlé Health Science was driven by pricing, e-commerce momentum and geographic expansion. The business continued to gain market share.

Consumer Care saw a sales decrease, with a return to positive growth in the second quarter:

• Active nutrition reported low single-digit growth, with positive sales developments for healthy-aging products, Vital Proteins and Orgain.

• Vitamins, minerals and supplements posted a sales decrease, following three years of strong growth during the pandemic. The business returned to positive growth in the second quarter, led by Garden of Life and Pure Encapsulations.

Medical Nutrition recorded double-digit growth, with strong momentum across all segments. Growth was led by acute and adult medical care products as well as pediatric and allergy products.

By geography, North America saw low single-digit growth. Europe reported mid single-digit growth. Other regions combined posted high single-digit growth.

The underlying trading operating profit margin of Nestlé Health Science decreased by 70 basis points. Cost inflation more than offset pricing and acquisition synergies.

Nespresso

• 4.5% organic growth: 0.8% RIG; 3.7% pricing.

• The underlying trading operating profit margin decreased by 260 basis points to 21.7%.

Organic growth was 4.5%, with pricing of 3.7%. RIG was 0.8%. Foreign exchange negatively impacted sales by 5.6%. Reported sales in Nespresso decreased by 1.9% to CHF 3.1 billion.

The key growth contributor was the Vertuo system, which continued to see broad-based momentum. Growth in out-of-home channels was also strong, with further adoption for the Momento system, particularly in the office segment. Innovation continued to resonate with consumers, including the roll-out of Vertuo Pop, a new compact machine, as well as the launch of home compostable coffee capsules in France in June.

By geography, North America posted double-digit growth, with continued market share gains. Europe reported slightly positive growth. Other regions combined saw low single-digit growth.

The underlying trading operating profit margin of Nespresso decreased by 260 basis points. Significant coffee cost inflation and the appreciation of the Swiss Franc more than offset pricing actions. The business continued to invest in the rollout of the Vertuo system as well as in media advertising.

Business as a force for good: Eliminating deforestation from Nestlé's palm oil supply chains

The European Union recently passed legislation that will ban the import of commodities linked to deforestation, including palm oil. Nestlé has worked for over a decade to address deforestation in its palm oil supply chains and in all other major supply chains. This strong foundation means the company is well placed to address the new law.

Traceability is key to preventing deforestation. As such, Nestlé sources from suppliers that can trace their palm oil all the way back to the plantation on which it was grown. Together with external partners, Nestlé assessed the company's palm oil supply chains to be 95.6% deforestation-free at the end of 2022. Nestlé is vigilant in its efforts to maintain this level of performance. It works with experts and industry bodies to continually improve environmental and social practices, take action when risks or issues are identified, and invest in technology to stay ahead.

One such technology is Starling, a satellite-based system, which Nestlé uses to monitor its palm oil supply chains. Starling helps the company identify deforestation risks and cases around the mills from which it sources as well as deforestation patterns. This supports Nestlé in prioritizing actions on the ground, where they are most needed.

In the Aceh and Riau provinces of Indonesia, for example, Nestlé collaborates with partners to drive sustainable production, forest conservation as well as good social and labor practices. It works with the government on integrated land use planning and supports a 'No Deforestation, No Peatland, No Exploitation' policy. Based on new information from satellite monitoring, the company recently expanded the scope of this work to include the East Kalimantan province.

Nestlé also strives to include smallholder farmers in its supply chains, given that they represent 40% of the world's palm oil supply. It recently helped launch a Smallholders Hub in Aceh that trains farmers on good agricultural practices and helps them increase their yields from existing farmland. This reduces the risk of encroachment into protected areas. Similar programs are being rolled out in other landscapes.

Nestlé is now going beyond deforestation to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, while also promoting sustainable livelihoods and respecting human rights. It was recognized for its work in this year's Forest 500 report, coming in third for its efforts in tackling deforestation among companies exposed to the issue.

Palm oil is highly versatile. It requires four to ten times less land to produce the same amount of oil as other plants. Replacing it is not the answer – neither for the environment, nor for the millions of farmers whose livelihoods depend on it. That is why Nestlé goes ever further to make palm oil production truly sustainable, for both forests and communities.