A sponsor's profile: Nestle.

Dr Margaret Allman-Farinelli, Editor of Nutrition & Dietetics, recently asked the following questions of Katrina Koutoulas, Corporate Marketing Manager, Nestle Australia Ltd

N&D: Can you tell us about the resources you have developed for dietitians and other health professionals?

Nestle: Nestle Australia has a continuing focus on providing nutrition-related resources and information to health professionals. These projects are often managed at a corporate level, however, all divisions within Nestle contribute product information.

Since 1999 Nestle has supported dietetics education by providing placement opportunities for dietetics students from NSW-based universities. The students have had opportunities to work with many brand groups within Nestle with projects that have both a theoretical and a practical component. The feedback from students is always very positive as they feel that they are contributing to the business. We are pleased to have this link with the dietetics profession.

At the beginning of 2002 a Nestle Nutrition division was formed. It functions as a business division with a portfolio of products including POWERBAR, Infant and Health Care Nutrition. The infant nutrition business employs a national team of dietitians who manage conferences and update health professionals about new concepts relating to infant feeding.

Nutrition messages on packaging have become increasingly important, as we know consumers increasingly seek to understand the information presented. In many ways, packaging is the most efficient form of nutrition education. In order to keep health professionals informed of our packaging changes and new product development, we compile Product Information (P1) sheets which are distributed with a Nestle Nutrition folder to all DAA members via a mailout twice a year and to other health professionals at conferences.

Through our partnership with the Australian Institute of Sport and their dietitians, we have produced two cookbooks--Survival for the Fittest and Survival from the Fittest, as well as A Winning Diet by Dr Louise Burke, (Head of the Department of Sports Nutrition, AIS). These books were given to all DAA members in 2001 and 2002.

N&D: What new nutrition projects does Nestle have for 2003?

Nestle: In January 2003, Nestle launched a nutrition web site, http://www.nutrition.nestle.com.au/ which was developed to further educate consumers about nutrition. The Probiotic concept that was initiated in 2000 with the launch of NESLAC--a probiotic milk drink for toddlers is being re-launched in March. With the success of the Product Information sheets, we will also be launching in April over 80 PI sheets on the Nestle web site for dietitians to easily access and download as required.

Nestle has continued to support dietetics education by providing six placements for dietetics students to work within Nestle during 2003. Through our partnership with the Dietitians Association of Australia, Nestle will continue our commitment to support the valuable work of dietitians.