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Come on a journey through Nestle's company history. We'll begin in 1866 and finish in the present day.

Along the way, we'll see why Henri Nestle created infant cereal, how the company weathered downturns and two world wars. We'll follow the acquisitions and the move into chocolate, pharmaceuticals and petcare. Before arriving here today, at the world's largest food and beverage company. Ready?

Explore our story below. Alternatively, you can download

1866 – 1905 The Pioneer Years
1905 – 1913 The Belle Époque
1914 – 1918 Adapting during wartime
The Pioneer Years
1866 – 1905

The Nestlé company history begins in 1866, with the foundation of the Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company. Henri Nestlé develops a breakthrough baby food in 1867 and in 1905 his company merges with Anglo-Swiss to form what we know as the Nestlé Group.

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1866 – 1905

1866 
US brothers Charles and George Page establish the Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company. Using the abundant supplies of fresh milk in Switzerland, they start Europe’s first production facility for condensed milk. They sell the milk under the Milkmaid brand. It’s marketed as a safe, long-life alternative to fresh milk.

1867
Nestlé’s founder, German-born pharmacist Henri Nestlé, launches his ‘farine lactée’ (‘flour with milk’) in Vevey, Switzerland. Combining cow’s milk, wheat flour and sugar, the product is designed for infants who can’t be breastfed, to tackle high mortality rates. Around this time he starts using the iconic ‘nest’ logo.

1875
Henri Nestlé, now in his 60s, sells his company and factory in Vevey to three local businessmen. They employ chemists and skilled workers to help expand production and sales.

1878
Fierce competition develops between Nestlé and Anglo-Swiss. They are now selling rival versions of the other’s original products: condensed milk and infant cereal. Both firms expand sales and production abroad.

1882-1902
In 1882 Anglo-Swiss moves into the US, but the death of founder George Page slows down plans. In 1902 Anglo-Swiss sells its US-based operations, paving the way for an eventual merger with Nestlé.

1904
Nestlé starts selling chocolate for the first time after taking over export sales for Peter & Kohler. In 1875, the Nestlé company also plays a role in developing milk chocolate by supplying Vevey neighbor, Daniel Peter, with condensed milk. Peter uses this in his trials to create the first milk chocolate to eat.

The Belle Époque
1905 – 1913

By 1905, Nestlé & Anglo Swiss has more than 20 factories, and is selling in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Australia. As World War One approaches, the company enjoys the period of prosperity known as the Belle Époque or ‘Beautiful Age’. It’s now a global dairy company.

Period highlights +

1905 – 1913

1905
 Anglo-Swiss and Nestlé merge to form the Nestlé & Anglo-Swiss Milk Company. The company has two head offices in Vevey and Cham (Switzerland) and opens a third office in London to help drive export sales. Over several years the company expands its range to include unsweetened condensed milk and sterilized milk.

Adapting during wartime
1914 – 1918

The outbreak of war in 1914, creates new challenges and opportunities. The demand for condensed milk and chocolate increases, while a shortage of raw materials and cross-border trade slow down production. To solve these problems, the company acquires processing facilities in the US and Australia. By the end of the war, Nestlé & Anglo-Swiss has 40 factories.

Period highlights +

1914 – 1918

1914
War breaks out across Europe and disrupts production for the company. The hostilities also drive demand for Nestlé dairy products, in the form of large government contracts.

1915
Condensed milk is long-lasting and easy to transport, which makes it popular with armed forces. In 1915 the British Army starts giving Nestlé canned milk to soldiers in their emergency rations. Strong demand for this product means that the company’s milk refineries are working flat out.

1916
Nestlé & Anglo-Swiss acquires Norwegian dairy company Egron. The business has patented a spray-drying process for producing milk powder, which Nestlé & Anglo-Swiss starts selling.

1917-1918
Milk shortages in Switzerland mean that Nestlé & Anglo-Swiss has to give its fresh milk supplies to help people in towns and cities. To meet the demand for condensed milk from the warring nations, the company buys US refineries and signs supply agreements with Australian companies, which it later acquires.

We are very excited to return as the official Challenge partner for the Queen's Marketing Association's (QMA) national business case competition across Canadian universities and colleges. The 16 top team finalists will have an opportunity for a job interview at Nestlé, and the winning team members will receive paid internships.

Watch the video below for more details on this exciting project. Visit the QMA 2017 Challenge website for more information on the challenge.

Nestlé Canada Youth Initiative > Components

At Nestlé Canada, our focus on development can accelerate your career.

Our goal of growing global impact and leadership requires a focus on helping Youth under the age of 30 gain work experience and strengthen their professional development skills beyond the classroom. All of our operating companies under Nestlé Canada, including Purina and Nespresso, have several programs that create new professional opportunities for students and new graduates.

  • Internships: Opportunities for current undergraduate and graduate students that combine technical education with applied work experience in a specific career field.
  • Associate Programs: This program is designed to support those who have graduated from school to start their career in a specific function, which will provide them with the skills they need in order to start of their career.

Internships: a summer of opportunity

As an intern at Nestlé Canada, you’ll combine technical education with applied work experience in your chosen career field. You’ll be able to contribute and  make an impact on real-world projects, build your presentation skills, strengthen your analytical, excel your leadership abilities, and meet other students from across  the country.

Bring everything you’ve learned in the classroom into the real world with an immersive internship experience. Contribute to real Nestlé Canada projects, learn from accomplished mentors, and gain food industry knowledge that you can call upon for years to come.

The ideal candidate:

  • Students who are eager to take on complex challenges and demonstrate tenacity and perseverance. Real world problem solvers with a willingness to roll up their sleeves and get the job done.
  • Rising students currently pursuing an undergraduate degree, or, MBA student.
  • Able to work 4 months from May – August.

     

Opportunities in:

opportunities

Darcy BristolName: Darcy Bristol
Position: National Customer Development Team Lead
Years with Nestlé: Over 12 years

I’ve been with the company for more than 12 years now, and I have to say I feel like I’ve had two distinct careers at Nestlé. I spent nine years working with Nestlé Professional, where I held a number of roles, like Communications Champion, Director of Sales Operations, and Head of Marketing and Sales, and now I’m working for Nestlé Canada as the National Customer Development Team Lead.

I was initially attracted to working at Nestlé because it’s the largest food and beverage company in the world and I was familiar with many of our great brands. There was also the appeal of working with so many people who have international experience, as many people at Nestlé have professional experience in other markets.

There are many reasons why I continue to work for Nestlé. First, there’s a great group of people working here and it’s a pleasure to work with this team every day. Second, there are always new challenges to take on, which help you grow and develop in your career. I’ve found that Nestlé is very willing to make an investment in its people, in terms of personal and professional development. The opportunities to learn and grow seem endless, and I’ve had many excellent training and development experiences so far throughout my career here.