Nestle CEO Mark Schneider said on Thursday that the global food group behind KitKat, Nescafe and Purina will raise prices again this year. The announcement came after the release of an annual earnings report that showed the company's highest sales growth in 14 years, while higher costs from inflation ate into profit margins.
"Our gross margin is down about 260 basis points - that is massive. That is after all the pricing we have done in 2022," Schneider said during a press conference.
The company raised prices 8.2 percent in 2022, which is higher than the 6.5 percent annual inflation rate in the consumer price index (CPI). While the price hikes didn't hurt overall sales, which rose 8.4 percent, volume was flat. Whether this "volume weakness" persists into this year is the big question facing the company.
Schneider noted that inflation has been more severe in the U.S. than in Europe or China. Prices were up 11.6 percent in North America, compared to 6.4 percent in Europe and 2.5 percent in China, while sales in North America were nearly triple those areas.
He added that inflation has started to slow for some products, but that overall the company's forecast suggests more cost pressure ahead.
“There are a few cost items that have started, on a spot basis, to ease since the autumn — arabica coffee, dairy, some of the energy items — but on a full-year basis we’re still looking at a very bleak picture," he said.
Dylan Douglas, host of 'Young American with Dylan Douglas,' joins Cheddar to reveal how Gen Z is feeling about the election and what issues matter most to them.
Priceline CEO, Brett Keller, joins Cheddar to discuss the latest travel trends and how Hurricanes Helene & Milton have affected those flying south. Watch!
Hyperice CEO, Jim Heuther, joins Cheddar to discuss the company's latest product collaboration with Nike. Find out how it is helping your favorite athletes.
Founder, Chairman and Principal Analyst of Constellation Research Inc., Ray Wang, reveals how Tesla's Robotaxi is going to disrupt the transportation industry.
Have Taylor Swift fans dubbed Flava Flav as King of the Swifties? Plus, his new partnership with Old Spice and if he will ever go back to the Olympics. Watch!
Education Reporter for The Wall Street Journal, Doug Belkin, discusses his latest piece and delves into why incoming freshmen are preferring southern schools.
Founder & CEO of FLYR, Alex Mans, joins Cheddar to talk about the current state of the airline industry and how his company is updating technology in the sky.
Spirit Halloween CEO, Steve Silverstein, stops by Cheddar to talk SNL, this year's top costume ideas and why you should watch out for Spirit Christmas. Watch!
