As Nestle S.A. prepares to hold its second-annual Creating Shared Value Forum in London, the five operating companies that comprise Nestle in the United States are releasing their first-ever report detailing the success of Creating Shared Value in the United States.

"Creating Shared Value is at the heart of Nestle's global business strategy," said Heidi Paul, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Nestle Waters North America. "It's based on the belief that for our businesses to prosper in the long term, we must create value for our shareholders, customers, consumers and society at large."

Nestle in the United States consists of five operating companies: Nestle USA, Nestle Waters North America, Nestle Purina PetCare Company, Nestle Nutrition and Nestle Professional. Together, they operate in more than 120 locations in 47 states and employ over 44,000 people. With total combined U.S. sales in 2009 of more than $28 billion, they represent Nestle S.A.'s largest market.

"We have the privilege of being the largest market of the world's largest food and beverage company," said Paul. "With that privilege comes an opportunity – and a responsibility – to engage our consumers and the communities where we do business. Creating Shared Value is that offering and is fundamental to our continued success."

Globally, Creating Shared Value focuses on the areas of nutrition, water and rural development. In the United States, Nestle carries out this commitment with business activities that:

Contribute to strong local economies, by creating productive jobs with comprehensive benefits;

Provide consumers and their pets with nutritious and enjoyable food and beverages;

Are environmentally responsible and mindful of water and other natural resources upon which we all depend;

Engage communities where we do business by working closely with organizations that provide health, nutrition and water education, as well as those committed to hunger relief, improving the environment and many other causes.

"When most people think about Nestle, they think about chocolate," said Paul. "When they find out we make more than chocolate, they're interested. When they find out we make many of the world's best-known brands – and that we are the largest private source of nutrition research and scientific information, they're usually surprised."

Below are some of the highlights of the Nestle in the United States' Creating Shared Value report. To view the full report, please go to: http://www.Nestleusa.com/PubNews/FactSheets.aspx and select the "Nestle in the United States Creating Shared Value Report."

Nestle in the United States: Creating Shared Value Highlights:

The United States is Nestle's largest market, totaling nearly $28 billion in product sales.

Employs more than 44,000 people in 120 locations in 47 states.

Opened six new facilities since 2008: Allentown, PA; Anderson, IN; Fremont, MI; Greenwood, IN; Kingfield, ME; and Solon, OH.

Two new facilities to be completed in 2010: Gray Summit, MO, and Sacramento, CA.