Despite Nestle seeing no threat to its coffee business from the rising popularity of weight-loss drugs like Zepbound, Wegovy, and Ozempic, the food and beverage conglomerate acknowledges opportunities to focus on other business areas, shared Mark Schneider, Nestle chief executive, reports Reuters.
Schneider was likely responding to research that suggested that caffeinated beverages may increase blood sugar when on weight loss drugs when he shared his lack of worry for Nestle's coffee sales.
Schneider noted that Nestle could expand its health science business with protein bars, powders, and functional beverages tailored to weight-loss drug users.
"While GLP-1 [diabetes and weight loss drug] patients may consume less sugar-laden or fatty foods, they will need to meet their nutritional needs through other foods, beverages, and supplements," said Schneider. New products would be launched next year to exploit the trend, Schneider said. The company originally intended to focus on North America, where the drugs are more common, however, a larger geographical rollout was mentioned.
The popularity of the new drugs has prompted concerns in the consumer and retail industry over whether food and drink sales will be impacted. Full Story (Subscription Required)
Related: USDA Appoints Key Leaders; Meijer Offers Milk Discounts for SNAP