Chapter 4: Our business integrity
We are responsible with gifts, entertainment and hospitality
The Nestlé way
We believe in conducting our business with transparency, honesty and integrity. Our relationships with business partners should always be free from improper influences.
Improper gifts, entertainment or hospitality can cause others to question our values. Even if there is no ill intent, offering or exchanging gifts may be perceived as a form of bribery and could carry serious consequences.
How we live it, every day
- We discourage the exchange of gifts, entertainment and hospitality.
- If cultural traditions or local practices warrant their exchange, use good judgment and make sure they are modest, reasonable and connected to a legitimate purpose.
- Comply with your local policy and value limits and follow the rules for disclosing and registering gifts, entertainment and hospitality. If no such policy is available, our minimum requirements and the strictest local practice should be followed.
- Never offer or accept any gift, entertainment or hospitality taking the form of cash, loans, kickbacks or other cash equivalents, regardless of their value.
Putting our Code to the test
Q. I’ve received an invitation from one of our suppliers to join them in the luxury hospitality box at a championship sporting event. The value of the tickets exceeds the value limit in my market, but if I refuse the gift, I may offend our supplier. What should I do?
A. If the value of the gift exceeds the local value limit, consider refusing it. If you believe this could impact the business relationship, consult your people manager and Legal and Compliance for advice on how to proceed and follow local procedures.
What about gifts and entertainment for public officials?
Gifts and entertainment provided to public officials can easily be construed as a bribe and must be carefully controlled. You must follow the rules on local limits and guidelines and get approval in advance from the Market Head or other designated senior leader before offering any gift to government officials or their family members or other close associates.
No gifts of any nature, including Nestlé products, should be offered to any authority or government official in the context of a decision which is pending or imminent and which affects Nestlé.
