Nestlé innovation partnerships: Getting started
In September 2007 Helmut Traitler, VP Innovation Partnerships, and Heribert Watzke, Head of Food Science at Nestlé R&D, sat down to prepare a proposal to the board on how to really make the innovation partnerships initiative work in driving new growth at Nestlé following its new vision of Nutrition, Health and Wellness. Nestlé was facing increased competition, not only from traditional industry players such as Unilever and Danone but also from fast-growing and highly knowledgeable local market players in Nestlé’s largest markets (Brazil, the US and China). Nestlé saw innovation as a way to meet the rapidly changing needs and expectations of consumers of all ages (from babies, toddlers and growing children to teenagers, adults and the elderly), as well as to maintain its target growth rates of 5% to 6%.
How to establish a strategic partnerships unit via a large complex organization. Identifying and addressing the challenges and issues of starting this journey with the intent of building a strategic partnership capability.
Nestlé, Consumer Goods, Food and Beverage
2005-2007
Cranfield University
Wharley End Beds MK43 0JR, UK
Tel +44 (0)1234 750903
Email [email protected]
Harvard Business School Publishing
60 Harvard Way, Boston MA 02163, USA
Tel (800) 545-7685 Tel (617)-783-7600
Fax (617) 783-7666
Email [email protected]
NUCB Business School
1-3-1 Nishiki Naka
Nagoya Aichi, Japan 460-0003
Tel +81 52 20 38 111
Email [email protected]
IMD retains all proprietary interests in its case studies and notes. Without prior written permission, IMD cases and notes may not be reproduced, used, translated, included in books or other publications, distributed in any form or by any means, stored in a database or in other retrieval systems. For additional copyright information related to case studies, please contact Case Services.
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
The board of Nestlé S.A. announced that Anna Mohl would become the CEO of Nestlé Health Science (NHSc) — a global leader in nutritional science — on 1 January 2024. She was delighted to hear about her new position but knew there was little time to...

Gone are the days of the loyal company man or woman. Today’s workforce often includes a mix of freelancers, agency temps, and outside contractors. Here are four work models to keep these disparate elements happy and motivated.

Are you struggling to lead successfully in the face of relentless disruption and uncertainty? Now’s the time to master the art of strategic thinking, starting with these six key skills.

Warnings about alcohol’s harms by medical experts are nothing new. But the drinks industry is now taking sobriety seriously by investing in a growing range of alternative products.

How an easy-to-use tool can help executives assess and manage the impact of stakeholders on the creation and destruction of value.

CEO Manuel Reman blends Krug's tradition with innovation, fostering deeper connections with global audiences and emphasizing authenticity to keep the champagne house relevant amid shifting tastes and sustainability challenges.

The implications of generative AI for "knowledge" work are more profound than many of us might think. Organizations need to wake up.

Being able to think strategically is key to addressing the ever-increasing demands on leaders – but it's easier said than done. Here are four key capabilities that will help you succeed in turbulent times.

As campaign disasters at Apple, Bud Light, and Jaguar demonstrate, boards shy away from marketing oversight at their peril.
The China Resources Beer (CR Beer) case study is a compelling narrative of the world’s largest beer producer by volume under the leadership of CEO Hou Xiaohai. In 2016 CR Beer embarked on a pivotal transformation journey. This case study offers cr...
Case reference: IMD-7-2636 ©2025
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD 5 February 2025
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD 3 February 2025
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD Brain Circuits 28 January 2025
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD 28 January 2025
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications