Nestle: Ads spend hike to boost sales

Switzerland: Nestle, the world’s largest maker of coffee, bottled water and pet food, said sales growth will accelerate in 2010 after advertising increased last year.

So-called organic revenue from food and beverages will rise more than 2009’s 3.9%, the Vevey, Switzerland-based company said.

Nestle boosted media spending by 10% in 2009 as advertising rates declined. The company has about 30 brands, including Nespresso and Nescafe. Nestle expects “continued economic uncertainty in 2010, especially in developed countries”.

“With their very strong brands, they are indeed pushing them very smartly in the marketing campaigns and this seems to be working,” said Philippe Gijsels, a senior structured-equity strategist at Fortis Bank Global Markets in Brussels. “They’re well positioned to take advantage of emerging market growth.”