This Week in Food: Nestlé, Cargill & Danone Ecosystem

Nestlé, Mars & More: Partnering to Create Sustainable Cocoa

The global food and drink sector is confronting a critical challenge at the heart of chocolate production: the cocoa supply chain remains fraught with poverty, labour exploitation, inequality and environmental degradation.

According to Fairtrade, these interconnected issues threaten both the sustainability of cocoa farming and the future of chocolate manufacturing.

“Up to 58% of cocoa farmers in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana are living in extreme poverty, which means they make less than US$2.15 per day,” says the Rainforest Alliance.

Nestlé, Lindt & Sprüngli, Mars Incorporated, Mondelēz International and The Hershey Company have formed the TogetherCocoa Foundation in Geneva, Switzerland, marking a significant shift in how the food industry addresses supply chain challenges.

Why is Cargill Deploying Private 5G Across its Sites?

Cargill's deployment of private 5G infrastructure across 50 global facilities represents a significant shift in how agricultural processing operations could approach connectivity and automation. The partnership with NTT DATA positions dedicated wireless networks as a cornerstone of the company's digital transformation, spanning large-scale agricultural processing plants and food manufacturing sites worldwide.

The initiative marks a transition from experimental trials to production-scale implementation in the private 5G sector. For Cargill, the challenge has centred on establishing secure and scalable connectivity across sites where conventional wired networks or Wi-Fi solutions prove insufficient for the demands of modern agricultural processing. NTT DATA's platform delivers dedicated spectrum and controlled coverage designed for complex industrial environments where traditional infrastructure struggles to maintain consistent performance.

The majority of installations are located in the United States, though sites in Europe and additional regions are being evaluated for deployment. Cargill has scheduled further facilities for completion throughout 2026 as part of its broader connected workplace strategy, with plans to integrate robotics across agricultural processing operations.

Acquiring JDE Peet’s: KDP’s Plan to Split Coffee & Beverages

Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) is moving ahead with updated financing plans and a refined timeline for its acquisition of JDE Peet's, setting the stage for one of the most significant transformations in the global beverage sector. 

The deal, targeted to close in early April 2026, will ultimately lead to the creation of two independent, publicly traded companies: Beverage Co. and Global Coffee Co. 

With a carefully structured mix of debt and equity, the transaction is designed to strengthen capital structures while unlocking long-term growth across coffee and refreshment beverages.

The Projects Behind Nat Geo & PepsiCo's Regen Partnership

The National Geographic Society and PepsiCo have unveiled five new research grants aimed at accelerating practical progress in regenerative agriculture — from rewilding farmland to applying artificial intelligence that translates complex genomics into actionable insights for growers.

These projects, part of the Food for Tomorrow programme, mark a powerful fusion of science and storytelling dedicated to strengthening the long-term health of global food systems. The initiative, launched in 2025, is a partnership between the National Geographic Society and PepsiCo supporting cutting-edge research, visual media, and education focused on regenerative agriculture.

“The global food system is under increasing pressure from climate change and extreme weather, and meeting this moment requires supporting the people at the heart of it — the farmers,” says Jim Andrew, Chief Sustainability Officer at PepsiCo.

Danone Ecosystem: Strengthening Global Food Systems

When the global financial crisis struck in 2009, Danone responded by establishing Danone Ecosystem, a non-profit organisation designed to strengthen local communities.

Fifteen years later, the organisation has released an anniversary report showcasing how its approach could be contributing to the transformation of food systems worldwide.

Nathalie Alquier, Chief Sustainability Officer at Danone and President of Danone Ecosystem, writes on LinkedIn: “Danone Ecosystem is a non-profit organisation that drives initiatives that go beyond Danone’s value chain to contribute to building inclusive, circular, healthy and sustainable food systems."