Abbott plans to spin off its Nutrition business into an independent, publicly traded company, creating a global player with approximately $8.5 billion in annual sales as demand for healthy nutrition continues to grow.

 

The proposed separation will split Abbott’s nutrition operations from its core medical devices, diagnostics and established medicines businesses, allowing both companies to pursue distinct growth strategies and allocate capital according to their respective priorities.

 

"As we continue to shape Abbott for the future, this separation will benefit both companies, setting each one up for maximum success in its respective market," said Robert B. Ford, chairman and chief executive officer, Abbott. 

 

"Our Nutrition business has a unique opportunity to capitalize on the growing demand for healthy nutrition, and it will be better positioned as an independent company to more effectively direct its strategic resources across its priorities. At the same time, Abbott's core higher-growth, innovation-driven portfolio of medical devices, diagnostics and established medicines has compelling growth opportunities to improve the health and lives of people around the world."

 

Abbott said the two businesses have different investment needs, growth profiles and innovation cycles, making separate capital and resource allocation strategies better suited to their individual business models.

 

The new company will have approximately $8.5 billion in annual sales, around 16,000 employees and 14 manufacturing sites, giving it a substantial presence across developed and emerging markets.

 

Its growth strategy will focus on rising consumer demand for healthy nutrition, particularly in metabolic health, disease prevention and wellness. As an independent entity, the business will be able to direct resources more strategically towards product innovation, commercial expansion and initiatives aimed at driving long-term growth.

 

The company will take with it a portfolio of established brands spanning infant, pediatric, medical and adult nutrition, including Ensure, PediaSure, Glucerna and Similac.

 

Abbott identifies Ensure as the world's No. 1 adult nutrition supplement drink, PediaSure as the world's No. 1 pediatric nutrition supplement, Glucerna as the world's No. 1 diabetes management nutrition brand, and Similac as the No. 1 infant formula brand in the U.S.

 

The portfolio is supported by scientific research and healthcare professional recommendations, which Abbott says underpin its competitive position and sustained organic growth across sales channels.

 

The Nutrition business has continued to expand its product range in response to changing consumer preferences. It launched 10 products in the first half of 2026, including a high-protein Ensure shake containing 42 grams of protein, a Similac product described as the first and only ready-to-feed liquid infant formula made with whole milk in the U.S., and dye-free Pedialyte products.

 

The launches underscore the business's focus on differentiated products as it positions itself to capitalise on growing demand for nutrition solutions across different stages of life and health needs.

 

Daniel Salvadori, executive vice president and group president of Established Pharmaceuticals and Nutritional Products, will become chief executive officer of the independent Nutrition company.

 

Salvadori joined Abbott in 2014 and has held several senior leadership roles, including senior vice president of Established Pharmaceuticals for Latin America and executive vice president of Nutritional Products. He was appointed to his current position in 2021.

 

Before joining Abbott, he held leadership positions at CFR Pharmaceuticals and Sandoz.

 

The separation is intended to give the Nutrition business greater strategic focus while allowing Abbott to concentrate on its higher-growth, innovation-driven medical devices, diagnostics and established medicines portfolio.