Nestlé has announced plans to restructure parts of its French operations, with proposals that could result in the reduction of up to 180 positions across support functions and research and development activities.

The company said the plans also come amid challenging market conditions for the agri-food sector, including pressure on consumer purchasing power, rising production costs and intensifying competition.

The proposed changes form part of the wider group strategy unveiled in October 2025 by new CEO Philip Navratil, aimed at simplifying and digitising operations, improving agility and efficiency, and adapting structures to reflect changes in the company’s business portfolio. Nestlé said the measures are intended to strengthen competitiveness while supporting future investment.

In France, the company plans to make greater use of group shared services and streamline its structure, including at its R&D centres in Tours and Lisieux.

Nestlé said the actual impact on employees could be reduced to between 75 and 100 roles once vacant positions, newly created jobs and voluntary internal transfers are taken into account.

The company added that it aims to limit compulsory redundancies by prioritising redeployment opportunities, voluntary departure schemes and early retirement options.

The proposals will be presented as part of Employment Protection Plans and are now entering an information and consultation phase with employee representatives. If approved, implementation would begin progressively from 2027.

Last year, Nestlé announced that it was set to reduce its workforce by 16,000 positions globally, representing approximately 6% of its global staff, as the company targets CHF 3 billion (approx. $3.7 billion) in cost savings by the end of 2027.