Henri Nestlé

Henri Nestlé (born Heinrich Nestle; 10 August 1814 – 7 July 1890) was a German-born Swiss confectioner and the founder of Nestlé, the world's largest food and beverage company, as well as one of the main creators of condensed milk.

Early life

Henri Nestlé was born on 10 August 1814, in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. He was the eleventh of fourteen children of Johann Ulrich Matthias Nestle and Anna-Maria Catharina Ehemann. Nestlé's parents were born in the German state of Hesse, and they were Protestant.

Career

In 1833, at the age of 19, Nestlé moved to Switzerland. After working as a pharmacist's assistant, Nestlé bought a small factory in Vevey where he produced oil, brandy, vinegar, and mineral water. In 1866, he began experimenting with various mixtures of cow’s milk, wheat flour and sugar in an attempt to develop an alternative source of infant nutrition for mothers who were unable to breast feed. His ultimate goal was to combat the problem of infant mortality due to malnutrition. He called the new product Farine Lactée Henri Nestlé.

Nestlé's new formula saved the child’s life and soon, Farine Lactée Henri Nestlé was being sold in much of Europe. In 1875, Nestlé sold his company to three local businessmen. He then decided to retire in Montreux, Switzerland, where he lived until his death in 1890.

Legacy

Today, Nestlé's company is known worldwide for its wide range of products including chocolate, dairy products, pet food, and cosmetics. It has played a significant role in the development of the global food industry and has set standards for other companies in the sector.

See also

• Nestlé
• Farine Lactée Henri Nestlé
• Condensed milk