- Nestlé posted 3.6% organic sales growth during the first half of 2026, with improving real internal growth (RIG).
- Emerging markets delivered strong momentum, while developed markets recorded steady growth.
- The company increased investment in advertising and priority growth platforms while continuing cost-saving initiatives.
- Nestlé is advancing portfolio changes, including joint venture and divestiture plans across several business units.
- The company maintained its 2026 guidance for organic growth of 3% to 4%.
Nestlé reported organic sales growth of 3.6% for the first half of 2026, supported by improving volume growth and stronger performance across emerging markets as the company continues executing its long-term growth strategy.
Real internal growth (RIG), a measure of sales volume and product mix, increased to 1.5% during the first six months of the year, while pricing contributed 2.1% to overall organic growth. In the second quarter alone, organic growth reached 3.7%, with RIG improving to 1.8%.
Despite reported sales declining 2.5% because of foreign exchange impacts, Nestlé said growth was broad-based across geographic regions and product categories.
PetCare Continues to Support Growth
Nestlé said it is increasing investment behind its leading brands and strategic growth platforms while continuing to improve operating efficiencies.
The company’s PetCare business remains one of its core strategic categories alongside coffee, nutrition and confectionery. Although the half-year release focused primarily on overall company performance, Nestlé reaffirmed its commitment to investing in high-growth businesses, including pet care, as part of its long-term strategy.
Advertising and marketing spending increased to 8.9% of sales during the first half as the company prioritized brand investment to support future growth.
Portfolio Reshaping Continues
Nestlé also announced continued progress in reshaping its business portfolio.
The company is moving forward with a planned joint venture for its waters and premium beverages businesses and continues sale processes for its mainstream vitamins, minerals and supplements business and its ice cream operations. During the first half, Nestlé also acquired the remaining stake in smart food company yfood while completing the divestiture of Blue Bottle Coffee.
Cost-saving efforts under the company’s Fuel for Growth program generated cumulative savings of CHF 1.7 billion, with Nestlé remaining on track to achieve CHF 2.0 billion in savings by the end of 2026.
For the full year, Nestlé reaffirmed its expectation of 3% to 4% organic growth, improving underlying trading operating profit margin and free cash flow exceeding CHF 9 billion.
Information sourced from the company’s financial results.
