Nestle(US:NSRGY) 2 1 Shi Ji Jing Ji Bao Dao·2025-12-02 23:08Core Viewpoint - Nestlé is undergoing a significant top-down reform, merging its Wyeth Nutrition and Nestlé Infant Nutrition business units into a single Nestlé Nutrition business starting January 1, 2026, to enhance growth and consolidate its leadership in the Chinese infant nutrition market [1][2]. Group 1: Business Strategy and Market Position - The merger aims to leverage the strong brand influence of Wyeth and S-26 with Nestlé's industry and channel advantages to achieve sustainable growth in a competitive market [5]. - The infant formula market in China is transitioning to a mature phase, with a reported growth rate of only 0.6% in Q2 2025, as the new baby boom is expected to decline [3]. - The ultra-premium segment is becoming mainstream, with a 13.3% year-on-year growth in the ultra-premium+ market, while other segments are experiencing declines [4]. Group 2: Competitive Landscape - The competition in the ultra-premium market is intensifying, as evidenced by Feihe's revenue decline of 9.36% to 9.151 billion yuan in the first half of the year, highlighting the challenges faced by brands in this segment [5]. - Domestic brands like Feihe and Yili have surpassed foreign brands in market share, indicating a shift in the competitive landscape of the infant formula market [5]. Group 3: Organizational Changes and Leadership - Nestlé has recently undergone significant leadership changes, with a new CEO, Frits van Paasschen, appointed in September 2025, emphasizing a performance-driven culture and a focus on growth [7][8]. - The restructuring in Nestlé China, led by CEO Mark Schneider, includes key personnel changes in the coffee and finance sectors, indicating a strategic shift towards more agile management [10]. - The new head of the infant nutrition business, Joel Seah, has a background in the Southeast Asian market, suggesting a strategic inclination towards leveraging regional expertise [11][12].