DS Smith, an International Paper company, has been awarded the "Lighthouse Award" by Nestlé Germany at its Supplier Awards. This unique distinction recognizes suppliers who serve as benchmarks and role models in the industry.
Every two years, Nestlé, one of the world's largest food and beverage companies, evaluates nearly 5,000 suppliers as part of its Supplier Awards in Germany. Among the Top 20 ranking, the best are recognized in the Bronze, Silver, and Gold categories, as well as with the Lighthouse Award, a special distinction. DS Smith had the honor of receiving the latter from Nestlé Germany in recognition of their long-standing partnership, reliability, and exceptional customer service quality.
A Sustainable Partnership: Over 35 Years of Collaboration
During the award ceremony, Nestlé particularly praised DS Smith—a loyal supplier for 35 years—for its ability to deliver within extremely tight deadlines while managing a large volume of projects simultaneously. A true "MacGyver of displays," DS Smith successfully produced displays in three weeks—products that typically take six weeks to produce—following a last-minute schedule change.
In her speech, Ksenia Stumpf, Strategic Buyer CoPack & Displays at Nestlé, described this long-standing partnership:
"DS Smith has long been much more than a mere service provider. It is a reliable partner that supports us with a high level of commitment and technical expertise, even when deadlines are tight and numerous projects must be handled at once. It is a partner that takes initiative, anticipates needs, and consistently carries projects through to completion."
She continued: "Its expert advisory role is particularly valuable. DS Smith does not limit itself to its own scope of intervention, but always maintains an overview of the entire process. Thanks to its numerous optimization proposals, the team has contributed decisively to the continuous improvement of efficiency and sustainability."
For Thorbjörn Sagerström, Managing Director Central EMEA at DS Smith, the commitment and solution-oriented approach highlighted by Nestlé reflect, above all, the strength of collective work:
"This recognition from Nestlé rewards our teams above all else. It reflects the commitment, expertise, and problem-solving mindset with which our teams support our customers every day. I am proud of this achievement and grateful for the trust that Nestlé and our other customers have placed in us for many years."
Beyond a Single Project: Rewarding a Way of Working
For DS Smith, this award confirms the core principles of its customer relationships: reliability that goes beyond simple commitments, and an innovative capacity to deliver a sustainable, aesthetically pleasing, and practical solution for every need.
André Bernhard, Strategic Account Manager at DS Smith, stated:
"We are particularly delighted to receive the Lighthouse Award because it does not reward a single project, but rather our way of working: collaborating closely with the customer, maintaining an overview of the entire process, and seeking the best solution, even under pressure. The trust that Nestlé has placed in us for over 35 years is a true benchmark and continues to serve as motivation for our teams."