Nestle(US:NSRGY) Hua Xia Shi Bao·2026-01-09 23:01Core Viewpoint - Nestlé China faces a significant challenge as it initiates a global recall of infant formula due to contamination issues, which may impact its ongoing restructuring efforts in the nutrition segment amid declining performance in the Greater China region [2][3][8]. Group 1: Recall Incident - On January 6, 2026, Nestlé announced a preventive recall of infant formula products in multiple countries, including 71 batches in China, due to contamination of ARA (arachidonic acid) oil, which may contain harmful toxins [3][4]. - The recall was prompted by internal testing that revealed quality issues with the ARA oil supplied by vendors, posing health risks to infants [3][4]. - The recall's scope expanded rapidly, initially covering 31 countries and later reaching at least 50 countries within two days [3]. Group 2: Market Performance - Nestlé's performance in the Greater China region has been declining, with organic growth rates dropping to -10.4% in Q3 2025, indicating severe challenges in reversing the trend [2][9]. - The company's market share in the infant formula sector has significantly decreased, with Nestlé and Wyeth holding only 4.9% and 4.4% market shares respectively by 2024, down from 13.5% in 2019 [6][9]. - The decline is attributed to increased competition from domestic brands and foreign competitors who have effectively utilized emerging sales channels [6][9]. Group 3: Strategic Adjustments - In response to the declining performance, Nestlé merged its infant nutrition and Wyeth nutrition businesses in China, creating a new unit to enhance operational efficiency [5][10]. - The company is undergoing a strategic shift from a distribution-driven approach to one focused on consumer demand and market pull, with expectations that this transition will take about a year [9][10]. - The new management team faces the dual challenge of restoring brand trust while navigating the complexities of the merger and addressing the fallout from the recall incident [7][10]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The year 2026 is critical for Nestlé in Greater China, as it represents the first full fiscal year under the new management structure and will test the effectiveness of its strategic adjustments [10][11]. - Analysts suggest that the key to overcoming current challenges lies in supply chain transparency and quickly addressing consumer concerns to maintain market share in specialized segments [11].