Swiss food group Nestlé reported H1 sales rose 5.7% YoY to CHF44.18 billion, with organic growth of 3.7% driven by 1.8% real internal growth and 1.9% pricing. CEO Laurent Freixe said broad-based volume growth and market share gains reflected improving execution. Separately, Nestlé agreed to a JV for its Perrier, San Pellegrino, Acqua Panna and Aqua Scout premium water businesses in North America with private equity firm Platinum Equity, subject to regulatory approval. (Nestlé)