THE PROCUREMENT INTERVIEW
Nestlé co-develops sourcing frameworks with suppliers and farmers to drive decarbonisation throughout the supply chain.
“ These partnerships go beyond compliance; they are about building resilience and creating shared value,” Jacob says.“ Likewise, we directly support investments in regenerative agriculture, climate action and responsible sourcing because these are critical levers for long-term sustainability.”
Cocoa and coffee illustrate both the challenge and Nestlé’ s strategic response. As geographically concentrated commodities, these key raw materials face significant climate and geopolitical vulnerabilities. To address these risks, Nestlé is diversifying origins and building new supplier relationships.
“ To mitigate this,” says Jacob,“ we are diversifying origins, such as expanding cocoa sourcing into additional regions. This strategy strengthens supply chain resilience while complementing existing programmes and long-term partnership.”
The Income Accelerator Programme in West Africa serves as another demonstration of how Nestlé creates shared value across multiple dimensions simultaneously, supporting sustainable farming practices, promoting child education and encouraging agroforestry.
Looking ahead Jacob’ s professional focus for 2026 centres on delivering Nestlé’ s transformation programme.
“ I will ensure we build an agile, data-driven function ready for tomorrow”
Jacob Busk Nielsen, Group CPO, Nestlé
The goal is ambitious: fuel sustainable growth whilst future‐proofing the procurement organisation for the challenges ahead. Nestlé’ s Fuel for Growth target is CHF 3 billion in incremental cost savings by the end of 2027, and procurement plays a key role in achieving this.
He asserts:“ I will ensure we build an agile, data-driven function ready for tomorrow – through simplification, harmonisation and bold capability building.
This ambition also reflects my own leadership philosophy. I try to approach my professional life like a business athlete – treating work with the same intention, discipline, and mindset that an athlete brings to their sport.
For me, performing at a high level isn’ t about sprinting; it’ s about building the right habits, nurturing my mind and body, and cultivating resilience, agility, and teamwork. I am very much inspired by the parallels between sports and business. And while I love healthy competition in the workplace, some of my favorite moments are sharing that same energy with my family … especially when I get to play football with my kids and pass that passion on to them.”
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