October 22, 2026 | by Nestlé Suisse S.A.
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October 22, 2026, Philipp Navratil, Nestlé CEO commented: «Our execution is driving stronger growth. RIG was positive across all zones and globally managed businesses and reached 2.8% in the third quarter, continuing the performance improvement of recent quarters. The agreement to divest our mainstream vitamins, minerals and supplements business marks another important step in focusing our portfolio where we have the strongest competitive advantage. Against a challenging external backdrop, our focus remains on delivering value, consistently executing with discipline and driving sustainable RIG-led growth across the business».
Nestlé delivered organic growth of 3.7% in the first nine months of 2026, with real internal growth (RIG) of 1.9% and pricing of 1.8%. In the third quarter, organic growth reached 4.0%, supported by an improvement in RIG to 2.8%, while pricing moderated as expected to 1.1%. RIG was positive across all zones and globally managed businesses. The company remains on track toward its mid-term target of sustainable RIG above 2%.
Emerging markets continued to post strong growth in the third quarter, with organic growth of 6.8% and RIG of 4.3%. Developed markets remained solid with organic growth of 2.2%. Growth rebounded in North America as Petcare sell-in matched strong sell-out and Coffee RIG improved following price increases earlier in the year. In Europe, RIG recovered from the impact of de-listings in the second quarter, while pricing moderated further in a competitive environment.
Nestlé also reported progress in executing its strategy. Investment is being prioritized behind high-growth platforms, which maintained high single-digit organic growth, while performance in the core business improved further in the third quarter. The company continued to sharpen its portfolio, including the agreement announced in September to divest its mainstream Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements business for USD 1.0 billion. Measures to strengthen supply-chain resilience and support long-term performance also continued, including an updated strategy for Climate & Nature and Packaging Sustainability.
Nestlé’s business in the Russian Federation has no longer been consolidated since the end of September 2026 following its placement under temporary external administration. According to the company, this had no impact on third-quarter or nine-month sales and only a limited financial impact on underlying results for 2026.
Nestlé maintained its guidance for 2026. Organic growth is expected to be between 3% and 4%, with RIG accelerating compared with 2025. The underlying trading operating profit margin is expected to improve versus 2025, while the second-half margin is forecast to be broadly in line with the first half, excluding any tariff refunds. Free cash flow is expected to exceed CHF 9 billion.
Contacts:
Media:
Christoph Meier Tel.: +41 21 924 2200
mediarelations@nestle.com
Investors:
David Hancock Tel.: +41 21 924 3509
ir@nestle.com
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Conclusion of this article: « Third-quarter and nine-month 2026 sales - Nestlé Suisse »
Source: Nestlé Suisse S.A., Press release