Swiss Enterprise Advocates Shared Beliefs via Social Programs in Kazakhstan
Nestle, the global food and beverage giant, has been actively involved in various social initiatives in Kazakhstan. These initiatives aim to promote healthy habits, preserve cultural heritage, and support the community.
Recent studies in participating schools show significant improvements in children's eating habits and physical activity levels, thanks to Nestle's ongoing nutrition education programmes. This initiative, which has been running for over a decade, teaches children about balanced diets and encourages physical activity.
Nestle's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility is evident in its focus on sustainable agriculture. The company works with partners on sustainable farming and regenerative agriculture to secure ingredient supply and address climate change, as demonstrated in Germany and elsewhere. Nestle also prioritises selecting suppliers based on sustainability strategies to transition to more responsible farming.
However, specific details about Nestle's social initiatives in Kazakhstan around promoting healthy habits, preserving cultural heritage, or animal welfare are not readily available in the public domain. While related examples from other regions and companies show a focus on nutrition and sustainability, there is no explicit information on Nestle in Kazakhstan.
Despite the lack of detailed information, Nestle's efforts in Kazakhstan do celebrate cultural heritage by integrating traditional cuisine into its initiatives. The annual art competition, "Our Dastarkhan," encourages children to explore and express their family traditions and culinary customs.
Nestle remains dedicated to implementing and expanding its social initiatives, as stated by CEO Maksim Shchetin. One such initiative is the "Food Lab," an innovative lesson within the initiative where medical students demonstrate the nutritional value of foods through experiments.
In addition to health promotion, Nestle's CSR efforts extend to animal welfare. The "Let's Help" program, supported by its Purina pet food brand, develops a culture of responsible pet ownership by educating new owners on care and adaptation, offering starter kits with food and essential supplies.
The "Let's Help" initiative, debuted in Almaty in 2015 and Astana in 2024, has connected shelters, veterinary clinics, and volunteers to rehome over 200 stray animals. Nestle also actively supports Kazakhstan's Red Crescent Society through its "Foodbank" program, providing monthly food donations to underserved communities.
In October and November 2024, Nestle hosted an initiative titled "Caring for the Elderly Month," distributing care packages to retirees. At the end of 2024, Nestle continued its tradition of fulfilling children's wishes through the "Tree of Dreams" initiative, where employees purchase gifts for children in orphanages.
Twice as many participants in the program engage in regular exercise and sports activities, according to Shchetin. Children involved in the program also eat more frequently and diversify their diets, as reported by the Nestle CEO.
Nestle collaborates with reputable educational, scientific, and government organisations, including the Kazakh Academy of Nutrition and regional education centres. This collaboration ensures that the initiatives are well-researched and effectively implemented, contributing to the overall well-being of the community.
For precise programs locally, it is recommended to consult Nestle Kazakhstan’s official website or corporate reports.
