Nestlé has announced a fresh $75 million investment into its already thriving Tri An coffee plant in Vietnam’s Dong Nai province, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to one of the world’s leading coffee-producing nations. This expansion, coming as the company celebrates 30 years of operations in Vietnam, brings Nestlé’s total investment in the Tri An facility to $175 million over the 2024–2025 period. With this move, Nestlé’s cumulative investment in Vietnam reaches approximately $904 million.

More than a symbolic gesture, the investment reflects a strategic long-term vision. Nestlé is deepening its roots in Southeast Asia, cementing Vietnam’s role as a global coffee hub while pushing forward with its sustainability goals and socio-economic initiatives. For Nestlé Vietnam Chairman and CEO Binu Jacob, the new commitment is not just a business expansion — it’s a statement of belief in Vietnam’s potential and promise.

A Symbolic Milestone: 30 Years in Vietnam

Marking three decades of continuous operations in the country, Nestlé’s growth in Vietnam tells a compelling story of shared development. What began as a business venture has evolved into a deep-seated relationship rooted in collaboration, innovation, and community upliftment.

“Our 30-year story in Vietnam has never been only about Nestlé. It’s been a shared story – one written through partnerships, innovation, and sustainable progress,” Jacob said during the commemorative event. “Over the years, through opening six world-class factories, creating thousands of jobs, enhancing the lives of coffee farmers, empowering rural women, and helping millions of children stay active, we have proudly contributed to the fabric of Vietnam’s economic and social development.”

Jacob further emphasized that this milestone is only the beginning of a greater journey. “If a century were a single day, then for us at Nestlé Vietnam, 30 years is just the start of our dawn. We are full of energy, with renewed ambition, bold new possibilities, and just getting started.”

Tri An Plant: The Beating Heart of Nestlé’s Coffee Operations

The Tri An plant is more than just a facility—it’s one of Nestlé’s most advanced coffee manufacturing hubs globally. Located in the strategically important Dong Nai province, near Ho Chi Minh City, the facility plays a pivotal role in the company’s international supply chain.

The plant produces a wide range of products under Nestlé’s flagship brands including Nescafé, Nescafé Dolce Gusto, and Starbucks, all of which are exported to more than 29 countries across the globe. It has become a center of excellence for coffee manufacturing, showcasing cutting-edge technology, high production standards, and robust sustainability measures.

In fact, the Tri An facility is the largest Nestlé coffee plant in Asia and a critical cog in the company’s global coffee machine. As consumer demand for high-quality instant and specialty coffee continues to grow in both developed and emerging markets, facilities like Tri An ensure that Nestlé stays ahead of the curve.

Vietnam: A Global Coffee Powerhouse

Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee exporter after Brazil, and its dominance in robusta coffee production is unmatched. Nestlé’s presence in Vietnam leverages this natural advantage, making the company not only a major investor but also the largest single purchaser of Vietnamese coffee, with annual purchases nearing $700 million.

The country’s Central Highlands region is the epicenter of coffee cultivation, home to thousands of smallholder farms. For Nestlé, working closely with these farmers is not just good for business—it’s a core part of the company’s sustainability and supply chain strategy.

Through initiatives like the Nescafé Plan, launched in Vietnam in 2011, Nestlé has worked tirelessly to improve coffee quality, promote sustainable agriculture, and uplift farming communities. The company provides access to disease-resistant and high-yield coffee plantlets, facilitates technical training, and encourages environmentally sound practices such as reducing water and pesticide use.

To date, over 86 million high-quality coffee plantlets have been distributed to farmers across the Central Highlands. These efforts have not only helped rejuvenate aging coffee plantations but have also increased yields and farmer incomes, while simultaneously preserving local biodiversity and water resources.

Nestlé’s Socio-Economic Footprint in Vietnam

Across its six factories in Vietnam, Nestlé employs approximately 3,000 people directly. The broader economic impact, however, extends far beyond direct employment. The company supports thousands more through its supply chains, partnerships, and rural development programs.

One of Nestlé’s key areas of focus in Vietnam has been rural empowerment. Through targeted programs, the company has supported women in rural areas with business skills, nutritional education, and access to financial tools. Nestlé’s collaboration with local authorities and NGOs has helped increase the self-sufficiency of many rural households, thereby contributing to more resilient communities.

Moreover, Nestlé Vietnam has implemented initiatives to support child health and education. School-based programs have encouraged physical activity, good nutrition, and general well-being among children, helping to build healthier future generations.

Zero Waste, Maximum Impact: A Sustainability Success Story

Nestlé Vietnam’s factories have been proudly operating with “Zero Waste to Landfill” status since 2015. This milestone was achieved through a series of thoughtful measures, including the redesign of production processes, the reduction of unnecessary packaging, and the promotion of a circular economy model.

For example, Nestlé has replaced single-use plastic straws in its ready-to-drink products with biodegradable paper straws. The company has also introduced packaging innovations like mono-material sachets and recyclable materials, aiming to drastically reduce its reliance on virgin plastics.

These actions are part of Nestlé’s broader global sustainability agenda, which includes achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. In Vietnam, this global vision is translated into local actions—reducing energy and water use, sourcing raw materials responsibly, and investing in climate-smart agriculture.

Awards and Recognition

In appreciation of its contributions to Vietnam’s development, Nestlé Vietnam was recently honored with multiple accolades. The company received a special Certificate of Merit from the Minister of Agriculture and Environment for its support to the farming community and efforts in environmental preservation. Additionally, the Dong Nai provincial government awarded Nestlé a commemorative plaque and a certificate of merit for its ongoing investment and contributions to local economic development.

Such honors highlight not only the company’s corporate achievements but also its meaningful impact on Vietnamese society. These recognitions serve as both validation and motivation for Nestlé to continue expanding its role as a development partner in the country.

Why Vietnam Still Matters in 2025

In today’s rapidly shifting global landscape, Vietnam continues to stand out as a bright spot for foreign investment. The country boasts a young and dynamic workforce, competitive manufacturing costs, and a government that actively encourages foreign direct investment.

Vietnam’s strategic location in Southeast Asia provides access to both regional and global markets. Its participation in major trade agreements, such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), also positions it favorably for export-led growth.

For Nestlé, these macroeconomic advantages are amplified by the local culture of entrepreneurship, rising consumer demand for healthier food and beverages, and a growing focus on sustainability—all of which align closely with the company’s vision and values.

The Road Ahead: Building a More Resilient Future

As global food and beverage markets face mounting challenges from climate change, supply chain disruptions, and shifting consumer preferences, Nestlé is investing strategically to future-proof its operations. The expanded Tri An plant will not only increase production capacity but also introduce automation and digital technologies that enhance efficiency and quality.

In addition to technological upgrades, Nestlé plans to use the new investment to scale up its sustainable sourcing initiatives, reduce carbon emissions, and foster innovation in coffee product development. The goal is to not only meet demand but to set new industry benchmarks in ethical production and environmental stewardship.

At the same time, the company is committed to deepening its local partnerships in Vietnam. Whether it’s through collaborations with educational institutions, farmer cooperatives, or tech startups, Nestlé envisions a future where its growth continues to be inclusive and community-centered.

As Binu Jacob eloquently put it, “This is not just about capital investment. It is our vote of confidence in Vietnam’s future – in its talent, resilience, and boundless potential.”

Final Thoughts

Nestlé’s renewed $75 million investment in the Tri An plant is more than a financial move—it is a profound reaffirmation of its commitment to Vietnam. Over the past three decades, the company has evolved into a trusted partner in the country’s journey of growth, sustainability, and modernization.

Now, with nearly $1 billion invested and counting, Nestlé is doubling down on its belief that Vietnam is not just a place to do business—it is a place to build a future. In a world where corporate responsibility and long-term vision are increasingly under the spotlight, Nestlé’s example in Vietnam offers a compelling blueprint for how multinational corporations can succeed by doing good.

Ready to take your career to the next level? Join our dynamic courses: ACCA, HESI A2, ATI TEAS 7 , HESI EXIT  , NCLEX – RN and NCLEX – PN, Financial Literacy!🌟 Dive into a world of opportunities and empower yourself for success. Explore more at Serrari Ed and start your exciting journey today! ✨

photo source: Google

By: Montel Kamau

Serrari Financial Analyst

8th May, 2025