CHICAGO, IL, U.S. – Happy Birthday Nestlé! The company widely known for its popular products like Butterfinger, Nescafé, and Gerber, is celebrating its 150th anniversary this week.
The world’s largest food company was founded in Switzerland in 1866 by pharmacist Henri Nestlé. The next year, he partnered with chocolatier Daniel Peter and the two released the first milk chocolate bar in 1875.
Today, the company manufacturers more than 2,000 brands, that are sold in 189 countries.
In 1937, researchers in Nestlé’s Swiss laboratories created the first instant coffee. One year later, the innovative product made its way to the U.S. as Nescafé, which was a hit among U.S. consumers.
In fact, Nestlé chocolate and Nescafé instant coffee fueled American soldiers during World War II and astronauts who traveled to the moon during the 1960s.
Other Nestlé iconic brands include Nestlé Toll House, Hot Pockets, SweeTarts, Lean Cuisine, Perrier, Nesquik, Nespresso and Fancy Feast, reaching 97% of US households.
For the past 10 years, the company has worked to reduce sugar, sodium and saturated fats from its products, helping millions of consumers striving for better health.
As part of its anniversary celebration, on August 4, Nestlé in the U.S. will embark on its largest single day of organized community service.
Honoring the 120 hometowns in 47 states in which Nestlé businesses operate in the U.S., the company will bring its longstanding commitment to “Good Food, Good Life” to more than 150 different community events nationwide.
#Nestlé150for150 unites more than 6,000 employees with dozens of nonprofit organizations for a day dedicated to service.
The celebration comes a week before the Aug. 10 birthday of founder Henri Nestlé who was born Aug. 10, 1814 and died July 7, 1890.
