The Award Committee recognised Nestlé’s work to improve the water management of its suppliers, which includes over 25 million people who are involved in its entire value chain. Award Committee Member and Director of Water Projects at the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, Joppe Cramwinckel, said: “Through its unwavering commitment, Nestlé has established itself as a leader in smart water management and is deserving of this prestigious award. It is providing an example for other food producers and distributors to follow. With agriculture accounting for nearly 70% of global water use, and food demand expected to double by 2050, companies have an increasing responsibility to improve food chain resource efficiency.”

The honourary award was presented to the chairman of Nestlé SA, Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, at a ceremony today at the World Water Week in Stockholm. When receiving the news earlier, he said: “I am most grateful for this recognition. We have identified water as the biggest challenge for future food security, and beyond that, for economic growth. This is probably the most prestigious award in this area for a company – and it will be a strong encouragement for us to continue with our efforts.”

Nestlé is the largest food and nutrition company in the world, employing around 280 000 people in over 100 countries. Over the past decade, Nestlé has reduced the total water withdrawals by over 30 percent, more than doubled the water efficiency of their internal operations and made significant reductions in the quantity of wastewater discharged into the environment.

About the Stockholm Industry Water Award

The Stockholm Industry Water Award recognises the business sector's contribution to sustainable water management, by minimising water consumption and environmental impact. It is given to any sector of business and industry. The Award was established in 2000 by the Stockholm Water Foundation in collaboration with the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. An independent award committee, composed of leading professionals and academics of water sciences, reviews all submissions and selects the winner following an open nomination process. For more information please visit: www.siwi.org/prizes.

About the World Water Week in Stockholm

The World Water Week in Stockholm is the annual meeting place for the planet’s most urgent water-related issues. Organised by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), it brings together 2,500 experts, practitioners, decision makers and business innovators from around the globe to exchange ideas, foster new thinking and develop solutions. www.worldwaterweek.org

About Stockholm International Water Institute

The Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) is a policy institute that contributes to international efforts to combat the world's escalating water crisis. SIWI develops and promotes future-oriented and knowledge–integrated policies, towards sustainable use of the world’s water resources leading to sustainable development and poverty eradication. www.siwi.org

Notes to Editors

For press kit, background facts, photos and video, see: www.worldwaterweek.org/media.
For more information on conference events, speakers, and registration, visit www.worldwaterweek.org.
To find relevant story ideas, please download the press kit: www.worldwaterweek.org/presskit.
Download high resolution photos from the week: www.worldwaterweek.org/photos.
Watch live streaming from the week: www.livestream.com/worldwaterweek.
Access video interviews of water experts: www.thenewsmarket.com/siwi.
Watch interviews of water week participants: www.watercube.tv.

Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI)

Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI)

www.siwi.org / World Water Week

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