Nestlé Children's Book Prize winner refuses Nestlé money - Sean Taylor rejects cheque

Press release 12 December 2007

See on-line version for links to supporting documents and images of Nestlé baby food marketing malpractice at:
 http://www.babymilkaction.org/press/press12dec07.html

Children's author, Sean Taylor, was announced today as the Gold winner of the Book Trust Children's Book Prize, under-5 category, for his book When a Monster is Born with Nick Sharratt (Orchard Books). In an open letter Mr. Taylor indicated that he would not accept the prize money for the prize which is sponsored by Nestlé. He commented:

"Being on the short list for the 2007 Nestlé Children’s book Prize is a significant honour for me, especially since so many children around the country have been involved in choosing the winning books. And I am delighted to accept the award offered to me.

"However, because of questions surrounding Nestlé’s marketing of breast-milk substitutes, I do not feel able to accept the prize money.

"This has not been a decision I have taken lightly. It has involved conversations with Baby Milk Action (a campaign group against Nestlé), Nestlé themselves, and an authoritative third party with experience in the field (who wishes to remain nameless)."

Baby Milk Action is concerned by Nestlé’s record of aggressive marketing of baby foods, which contributes to the unnecessary death and suffering of infants around the world. Companies should be abiding by international marketing standards adopted by the World Health Assembly, but Nestlé, the market leader, continues to produce systematic and widespread violations of the marekting requirements. These are defended at the most senior levels of the company.

According to Nestlé Global Public Affairs Manager, Dr. Gayle Crozier Willi, Nestlé is 'widely boycotted'.

Nestlé is also accused of failing to act on reports of child slavery in its cocoa supply chain.

In his letter, Mr. Taylor commented: "In the light of these conversations, it is apparent to me that many of Nestlé’s controversial activities took place in the past and that the company has taken steps to improve its practice." However, a new global monitoring report launched this month shows on-going aggressive practices. Nestlé defended the practice of branding babies in China from birth shown on the website just yesterday.

Mr. Taylor concluded:

"Nevertheless, it is my view that their interpretation of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes sets up the risk that profit is put before infant health. And, in addition, it seems that the actions of some of their employees on the ground are inconsistent with company policy as set out in the Head Office.

"For these reasons I do not feel that Nestlé are the most appropriate sponsors for this major children’s book prize."

For the full text of the letter and further comment see Baby Milk Action Campaigns Coordinators blog via the on-line version at:
 http://www.babymilkaction.org/press/press12dec07.html

Nestlé is sponsoring the children's book prize organised by the Booktrust. The book prize is a scheme where short-listed books are distributed to a number of schools, whose students vote for their favourites. Campaigners say Nestlé involvement is an attempt to divert criticism from its activities, improve its image amongst students and reposition itself as a responsible company.

Mike Brady , Campaigns and Networking Coordinator at Baby Milk Action, said:

"The global monitoring report just launched by the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) shows that Nestlé's claim to have changed only goes as far as tactics - the strategy of undermining breastfeeding to increase sales of formula remains unchanged.

"I appreciate the difficult situation Mr. Taylor was put in by the choice of Nestlé as a sponsor for this prize and applaud him speaking out publicly about his concerns. Let us hope the organisers and the public take notice and Nestlé will again appreciate that its cheque book does not buy it a good image. It must abide by internationally-agreed standards."

The main element of the sponsorship appears to be providing public relations services to the prize through the PR company, Spreckley's.

Spreckley is a specialist in:

"CRISIS AND ISSUES MANAGEMENT – All businesses face problems at some point and the best strategy is to be prepared. We can help clients devise a crisis and issues strategy plan, as well as providing counsel and advice when incidents arises."

In addition to its aggressive marketing of baby foods, Nestlé has been taken to court in the United States by the International Labour Rights Fund (ILRF) for failing to act to end child slavery in its cocoa supply chain in the Ivory Coast (click here for details). Nestlé has also refused to support moves to bring farmers within the Fairtrade scheme in Ivory Coast, meaning registered farmers are unable to sell all of their produce within the scheme. Nestlé buys the surplus on the open market at lesser prices, according to ILRF. If cocoa is bought within the Fairtrade scheme the farmers are guaranteed a fair prize and are paid a community surplus used to ensure children go to school.

In 2003 the Booktrust scrapped plans for a Nestlé teenage book prize after leading authors said they would refuse to accept it. This has gone ahead with a charitable trust backing it instead.

For further information contact:

Email:  mikebrady@babymilkaction.org
Tel: Patti Rundall on 07786 523493 or
Mike Brady on 020 3239 9222.

See on-line version for further notes and supporting information at:
 http://www.babymilkaction.org/press/press12dec07.html