Nespresso Delivers Strong 2009 Business Performance Despite Economic Downturn

PAUDEX, Switzerland, March 29 /CNW/ - Nestle Nespresso SA announced strong 2009 business results, delivering sales of CHF 2.77 billion achieving sales growth of more than 22%. In 2009, the company also grew its retail network to more than 190 boutiques and launched CitiZ, a new machine range, while for the first time Nespresso Club Members exceeded seven million.

"In the context of the economic downturn, the hallmarks of the Nespresso brand, highest quality and continuous innovation, have proved again to be our growth engine, even in an extremely challenging year," said Richard Girardot, CEO of Nestle Nespresso SA.

Maintaining in 2009 its average of 30% growth since 2000, Nespresso continues to be the fastest growing global brand in the Nestle Group.

Unique Business Model and Core Business Competencies

"Our unique business model enables us to continue investing in growth and quality and take a long-term view," said Mr Girardot. "Nespresso is able to manage - and improve - quality at every stage of the value chain. Our heritage of deep coffee expertise and constant innovation place Nespresso at the front of an ever more competitive portioned coffee market. Nespresso continues to earn the trust and respect of a growing global brand community in more than 50 countries."

In 2009, the company launched Ecolaboration(TM), the Nespresso platform for driving sustainability into all areas of its operations. This Nespresso's commitment to ensure future growth while respecting the planet's resources for future generations.

Outlook for 2010: Winning Formula Continues

In 2010, Nespresso is on track to deliver double-digit growth and pass the CHF 3 billion sales milestone. To drive that growth, Nespresso will focus on its core competences.

The company continues to aim at exceeding consumer expectations by offering them the highest-quality coffee combined with maximum convenience. As one example, Nespresso will combine its in-house research and development expertise with its distinctive design capabilities to offer consumers the most compact Nespresso machine yet while still delivering the ultimate coffee experience wherever they are.

In 2010, Nespresso will expand its global retail network, adding more than 30 locations with flagship boutiques including cities such as Brussels, Munich, Miami, New York (Soho) as well as the first Nespresso locations in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Complementing the continuing boutique expansion, "Nespresso will roll out a new customer service model, starting by renewing the sensory and brand experience in our boutiques", said Mr Girardot. "We will then extend our boutique team's passion to serve and share to our Customer Relationship Centres and match it with a dynamic new e-commerce platform. This will renovate all three Nespresso distribution channels and consumer contact points."

About Nestle Nespresso SA

Nestle Nespresso SA, the worldwide pioneer and market leader in highest-quality premium portioned coffee, introduces consumers to the world's finest Grand Cru coffees to be enjoyed in the comfort of their own homes and savoured outside the home, in locations such as gourmet restaurants, upscale hotels, luxury outlets and offices. As a company, Nespresso is driven by core competencies that enable it to create highest quality Grand Cru coffees, long lasting consumer relationships, and sustainable business success. The Nespresso offer focuses on its unique Trilogy, the unmatched combination of exceptional coffee, smart and stylish coffee machines and personalised customer service. Together, these three elements deliver moments of pure indulgence - the Nespresso Ultimate Coffee Experiences. Headquartered in Paudex, Switzerland, with more than 4 500 employees, Nestle Nespresso SA sells products in more than 50 countries directly to its customers. At the end of 2009, it operated a global retail network of more than 190 exclusive boutiques in key cities around the world. For the fourth consecutive year, Nespresso is one of the fastest growing brands within the Nestle Group and one of its "billionaire brands". In 2009, Nespresso achieved global sales of CHF 2.77 billion, maintaining an average annual growth rate of 30 percent since 2000. For more information, visit http://www.nespresso.com.

For further information: H.-Joachim Richter, Director, Corporate Communications, Nestle Nespresso SA, Phone: [phone], E-Mail: [email protected]