Photo: Nestlé Srbija / Nestlé AdriaticIn the first half of the next year, Nestlé, the world's leading food company, will open a new factory in Surčin for the production of plant-based meals from the Garden Gourmet range. In terms of nutritional composition, this range represents an adequate substitute for meat. It is an investment worth 67 million Swiss francs, and 330 new jobs will be created for the needs of the factory and even more local suppliers will be engaged.
PHOTO: MARJANA DAVIDOVIĆ, COUNTRY MANAGER OF NESTLÉ ADRIATIC HUB SOUTH
In an area of almost 18,500 square meters, vegetarian burgers, meatballs, and medallions will be produced, which are in great demand in the world because, in addition to the health benefits they bring with them, they represent an environmentally responsible food choice. Compared to the production of a classic meat burger, 80 percent less land is needed for the production of the Garden Gourmet plant-based burger, while as much as 75 percent less greenhouse gases are being emitted.
The planned production capacity of the future Nestlé factory, located in the immediate vicinity of the existing one, which has been operating since 2011, will be 12,000 tons per year. Initially, close to 90 percent of the products will be exported to European countries where there is a growing trend in sustainable plant-based nutrition: France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and Great Britain.
PHOTO: CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW FACTORY IN SURČIN
Nestlé, for example, sold $860 million worth of vegetarian and vegan foods globally last year. This type of food is currently the fastest-growing segment in the HORECA sector, and the factory in Surčin will help the company increase its production capabilities and diversify its portfolio.
The new Nestlé factory also represents a green investment in every other respect. Production will take place according to the highest standards of environmental protection, in which Nestlé has set the bar high with the construction of the first factory, and everything is in line with the company's global goal of reaching net zero emission of harmful gases by 2050. The factory will use renewable energy exclusively from hydroelectric power plants, and all waste water will be treated on site in its own waste water treatment plant worth 1.2 million euros, and then purified and brought back to nature. It is precisely because of this pioneering undertaking in our country that Nestlé Serbia was declared the Champion of Sustainability in 2021. In addition, the new factory, like the existing one, will operate according to the Zero Waste to Landfill model, which means that not a single gram of waste will be disposed of in municipal landfills. In 2019, Nestlé became the first food factory in Serbia to achieve this goal. All waste from the factory is recycled, used for the production of biofuels and fertilizers, as well as for the construction of eco-insulation panels.
PHOTO: NESTLÉ - REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE
Two Nestlé factories on the outskirts of Belgrade are proof that Serbia, with its agricultural potential, good geographical position, and professional staff, represents an extremely important business point in Europe for the world's leading food and beverage producer. The Swiss giant's decision to strategically invest in our country is based on excellent experience with local management, employees, and suppliers that the company has been building for close to two decades.
PHOTO: WORKER IN PRODUCTION
By expanding its network of local suppliers, Nestlé continues to support the local economy and at the same time, through a global program of regenerative agriculture, contributes to the preservation of natural resources and the fight against climate change. This program already includes suppliers of vegetables for the popular Serbian brand Začin C – Telek Paprika and Geneza, and the plan is to include local producers of soybeans, which will be the basic raw material for the production of vegetable meals, as well as sunflower producers. It is these new, innovative agricultural practices that will make the path from field to table more sustainable.
PHOTO: RENATA MATUSINOVIĆ, BUSINESS EXECUTIVE OFFICER FOR FOOD CATEGORY - NESTLÉ SOUTH EAST MARKET
This includes, among other things, replacing artificial fertilizers with natural ones, supplementary application of organic matter, planting rows of trees and cover crops, smart use of water resources, and other solutions. These measures increase the fertility of the soil and its ability to absorb carbon dioxide, which results in its lower emissions into the atmosphere. Nestlé plans to invest 1.2 billion Swiss francs globally by 2025 and thus further encourage the development of regenerative agriculture all across the globe.
PHOTO: REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE
With the opening of the new factory, the Swiss company will have a total of more than 800 employees in the production and corporate headquarters in Serbia. The new chapter of business ventures is also significant for the further improvement of bilateral relations between Serbia and Switzerland, which is one of the most important donors in our country.
Source: Nestlé Adriatic
Photo: Nestlé Adriatic
