Nestlé Türkiye Brings the Future of Food Systems to the COP31 Agenda

Nestlé Türkiye, which has called Türkiye home for 120 years, is carrying its approach of translating global sustainability commitments into concrete local practices onto the international climate agenda within the scope of COP31. The company, which will take part in events to be held under COP31 in cooperation with the International Investors Association (YASED), will draw attention to the importance of acting collectively in the transformation of food systems. Investing in the present and future of agricultural production through its Regenerative Agriculture and Young Farmers in Agriculture programs, Nestlé Türkiye aims to strengthen the dialogue on sustainable food systems by sharing its local experience with international stakeholders.

At a time when the effects of climate change are increasingly being felt, the transformation of food systems is among the priority topics of the global sustainability agenda. Nestlé, one of the world's leading food and beverage companies, supports its global climate commitments with practices that extend across its entire value chain, in line with the responsibility it has undertaken in this transformation. In its 120th year in Türkiye, the company combines its commitment to the country through its "This Is Our Home" approach with its long-term responsibility toward the future of food.

Nestlé views COP31, which Türkiye will host, as a strategic dialogue platform where different sectors, institutions and stakeholders can develop joint solutions to accelerate the transformation of food systems. Within this scope, the company will share its regenerative agriculture experience at the Scope 3 (indirect emissions from the value chain) themed panel to be held at the United Nations Pavilion in the COP31 Blue Zone on November 9th. The same evening, it will host the YASED COP31 Global Forum Dinner, bringing together leaders of international investor companies and senior stakeholders.

"We Must Act with Shared Responsibility for the Future of Food"

Drawing attention to the decisive role of cooperation for the future of food, Nestlé Türkiye CEO Bernie Stefan made the following remarks:

"Climate change directly affects the future of food; food systems, at the same time, are an indispensable part of the solution. The transformation of food systems is only possible through cooperation extending from farmers to the business world, from the public sector to civil society. In Türkiye, which has been our home for 120 years, we feel a deep sense of responsibility toward the future of this land. When we say 'This Is Our Home,' we point not only to our deep-rooted past but also to the responsibility we bear toward future generations. As Nestlé Türkiye, we bring together our global expertise, local experience and partnerships to build more resilient and sustainable food systems."

Global Commitments Translate into Concrete Practices in Türkiye

Nestlé's goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2050 form the foundation of the company's global climate roadmap. Sourcing 27.6 percent of its key raw materials from farmers practicing regenerative agriculture as of 2025, Nestlé aims to increase this ratio to 50 percent by 2030.

Nestlé Türkiye supports its global commitments locally through two core programs: strengthening the resilience of agricultural production with Regenerative Agriculture, and supporting the producers and entrepreneurs of the future with Young Farmers in Agriculture.

Within the scope of the Regenerative Agriculture Project, which started with wheat and corn production, it is aimed to expand efforts to different groups of agricultural raw materials. Practices carried out today with more than 100 farmers support the protection of soil health, water resources and biodiversity. Through the program, it is aimed to reach 400 farmers and 2,000 hectares of land by 2030.

The Young Farmers in Agriculture program, launched in the company's 120th year, aims to incorporate young people's innovative ideas, technology and entrepreneurship into the future of food systems. The program, which brings together universities, sector experts and the entrepreneurship ecosystem with young people, offers a holistic development model extending from awareness-raising efforts to concrete initiatives.

The program, which has reached more than 2,000 young people to date, has produced over 60 hours of digital learning content. Through the Idea Marathon, 12 early-stage ventures were included in the ecosystem, eight of which were selected for the incubation program. Selected ventures were provided with mentorship and expert support to develop sustainable business models. It is planned that a total of 1.5 million TRY in seed investment support will be provided to the three most successful ventures.

Aiming to reach more than 20,000 young people within five years, Nestlé Türkiye aims to transform agriculture into a future opportunity shaped by technology, sustainability and entrepreneurship for young people through the Young Farmers in Agriculture program.

"We Are Carrying the Transformation We Started in the Field to Global Dialogue"

Nestlé Türkiye Marketing, Corporate Communications and Sustainability Director Başak Ünal, stating that the company strengthens its sustainability approach with its practices in Türkiye, said the following:

"We approach the future of food as a holistic ecosystem that strengthens soil, water and human resources together. We believe this transformation is not possible alone, but can be achieved by acting together. We support sustainable transformation in food systems through the work we carry out with our farmers, young people, suppliers, business partners and communities.

While we develop local and applicable solutions together with our farmers through Regenerative Agriculture, we bring young people together with knowledge, technology, innovation and field experience through Young Farmers in Agriculture. In the fight against climate change, we attach as much importance to sharing concrete practices as to sharing targets. By sharing our experiences at COP31, we aim to contribute to the dialogue on the transformation of food systems."

The Future of Food Is Being Shaped Together

Supporting the transformation of food systems through a broad stakeholder network extending from farmers to the entrepreneurship ecosystem with its Shared Value Creation approach, Nestlé Türkiye aims to carry this approach into global climate dialogue through its cooperation with YASED within the scope of COP31. The company aims to contribute to the creation of sustainable and resilient food systems by sharing the practices it has developed locally with international stakeholders.

About Nestlé Türkiye

With a 120-year deep-rooted history in Türkiye, Nestlé Türkiye is one of the long-standing food and beverage companies that has been operating in the country since 1906. Operating today in nine categories with more than 50 brands, including iconic brands such as NESCAFÉ, NESTLÉ DAMAK, KITKAT, NESPRESSO and PURINA, the company reaches nine out of every 10 households in Türkiye.

Operating with four production facilities, Nestlé Türkiye directly employs 2,800 people while supporting a total of 17,400 jobs through its operations and value chain. Producing more than 85 percent of the products it offers for sale in Türkiye locally, the company brings together its global expertise with its strong and deep-rooted presence in Türkiye. In line with its "This Is Our Home" approach, it continues to create shared value and contribute to Türkiye's future.