Nespresso has temporarily closed its 19 boutique stores across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia to protect the health and safety of its employees and customers. Nespresso customers can still purchase capsules, machines and accessories through the online store.

This includes the latest additions to Nespresso’s Italian inspired range of coffee blends: Ispirazione Napoli and Ispirazione Venezia. The former is the strongest coffee blend crafted by Nespresso and is the first permanent intensity 13 blend and the latter is an intensity 8 blend. The Ispirazione Napoli has been developed using dark roasting methods with Nespresso’s expertise on coffee rituals of Napoli, Italy. The Ispirazione Venezia offers rounded smoothness and caramel notes, reflecting Venice’s long history of importing coffee and expertly roasting them for the ultimate balance in aromatic profiles. The new range is also part of the Nespresso coffee subscription where customers receive free delivery with 50 capsules or more and 10% extra credit each month.

Where possible, Nespresso boutique staff are being redeployed. Globally, all Nestlé Nespresso hourly and salaried staff affected by temporary stoppages will be paid in full for a minimum of 12 weeks.

In a statement released by Switzerland headquarters, Nestlé said, “We care deeply for people and for the communities in which we operate, and we have an essential role to play during the COVID-19 crisis. Food and beverages help keep people healthy and enhance their quality of life.

“We would like to assure our customers and consumers that we will continue to produce and deliver products to meet global demand. Our people are fully committed and are working tirelessly to ensure that supply is maintained. In recent weeks, we have implemented enhanced safety measures at all our sites, with particular focus on frontline workers in factories, quality labs and distribution centres.

“Also, where needed, we are offering free meals and transport for staff to help reduce the risk they fall ill. In addition, we have put in place generous sick leave arrangements for those who contract the virus and will provide cash loans or advances for those in financial distress.

“Since the beginning of the crisis, our people have led substantial local relief efforts in the communities around the globe where we operate. We have provided support to charities, medical institutions and other organisations in the frontline…We have also donated to food banks and food delivery oganisations to support people in need.”

Nestlé Australia to donate $2 million in products

Nestlé Australia will donate a minimum of $2 million in products – $500,000 each fortnight – over the next two months to Australians who need it most.

Extending its partnership with Foodbank, Nestlé will extend support to communities across the country facing increasing uncertainty with the aim of supporting Australians who are most at need, including the vulnerable and elderly. The donation will include food items such as coffee, cereals, meal bases and pet food, which will be distributed by Foodbank through its network of 2,400 charity agencies.

In addition to the $2 million donation, Nestlé will extend its 10-year partnership with Role Models and Leaders Australia, who run the Girls Academy, a school-based engagement program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls. Nestlé will provide essential food items to 43 at-risk remote Indigenous communities that are facing food scarcity as some are in lockdown.

Nestlé Oceania CEO, Sandra Martinez said, “An act of kindness can go a long way in these uncertain times, with even the smallest gestures having the potential to make a big difference to both individuals and broader communities.

“Now, more than ever, is a time for Australians to band together and help one another. Together with Foodbank and the Girls Academy, we are aiming to do what we can to make a positive difference and help those Australians who need it the most during these difficult times.”