
How a half-century of strategic partnership transformed smallholder farming into a cornerstone of Indonesia’s industrial dairy supply chain.
Nestlé Indonesia has reached a historic 50-year milestone in its partnership with dairy farmers in East Java, a collaboration that began in 1975 with just a few liters of milk. Today, this relationship has scaled to processing over 750,000 liters of fresh milk daily, sourced from approximately 26,000 smallholder farmers. This enduring alliance underscores Nestlé’s commitment to “Creating Shared Value” (CSV) by integrating local producers directly into a globalized manufacturing framework, ensuring a consistent and high-quality supply of raw materials for its processing plants.
Central to this success is the technical support provided to 42 milk cooperatives across the region. Nestlé has deployed teams of field experts to train farmers in modern animal husbandry, focusing on hygiene, nutrition, and cattle health. These interventions have not only improved the quality of the milk produced—meeting stringent international food safety standards—but have also significantly boosted the productivity and income of rural households, turning traditional farming into a viable, modern business.
The economic impact of this partnership is reinforced by Nestlé’s substantial investment in local infrastructure. By establishing cooling centers and collection points, the company has minimized post-harvest losses and logistical hurdles for farmers. This infrastructure serves as a vital bridge, connecting remote rural producers to the Pasuruan Factory, which stands as a testament to Indonesia’s growing capacity for high-value dairy production. The stability provided by these long-term off-take agreements offers farmers a rare level of financial predictability in a volatile global market.
Sustainability and regenerative agriculture have become the new frontiers for this partnership. As the dairy industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, Nestlé Indonesia is working with local cooperatives to implement environmentally friendly farming practices. These include waste management systems like biogas digesters, which convert cattle manure into clean energy for cooking and lighting. This holistic approach ensures that the dairy sector in East Java remains resilient and competitive in the face of evolving environmental regulations and consumer expectations.
Looking toward the future, the partnership serves as a global benchmark for successful public-private-community collaboration. During the 50th-anniversary celebrations, executives and government officials highlighted that the model goes beyond simple procurement; it is about building a sustainable ecosystem. By prioritizing the professionalization of the next generation of dairy farmers, Nestlé is securing the long-term food security of Indonesia while maintaining its position as a leader in the international dairy processing sector.
Source: Independent Observer – Read the full report on Nestlé Indonesia’s 50-year milestone here
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