Nestlé 150 not out - Global brand marks milestone

This year, Nestlé is celebrating its 150th anniversary globally.

As the company observes this significant milestone it continues to hold true to its long-term conviction of creating value for shareholders, the communities where it operates and the wider society.

Nestlé's history started in 1866 when Henri Nestlé, a German chemist residing in Vevey, Switzerland, conducted research aimed at creating food for babies who could not consume their mother's milk.

In 1867, he developed a product that helped to solve the problem of infant mortality, referred to as Henri Nestle's Milk Flour (Farine Lactee Henri Nestle in French), or Cerelac as it is known today. The first consumer of the new product was a premature infant who could take neither its mother's milk nor any of the substitutes existing at that time.

According to Jurg Blaser, country manager, Nestle Jamaica, word of Nestle's success spread rapidly, and through determination, commitment and a pioneering spirit Henri Nestlé built a thriving business.

"His life-saving innovation is the model for all those that follow throughout Nestlé's 150 years, which shows the company's skill in meeting and anticipating consumers' changing needs," said Blaser.

Its history also continued with the foundation of the Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company, which launched Europe's first condensed milk.

Life-saving product

This was another life-saving product in an era before refrigeration, when fresh milk spoilt easily in transit. In 1905, Anglo Swiss merged with Nestlé's company to form the Nestlé & Anglo-Swiss Milk Company, which evolved into Néstle from 1977.

Néstle in German means 'small nest', which is symbolised in the logo a nest with a mother bird nurturing her two young birds. According to Blaser, the company's nurturing philosophy has grown year after year with the promise to provide quality and tasty products.

"Since our humble beginnings selling infant nutrition products in Switzerland, to the global expansion, Nestlé has remained focused on education and promoting a healthy lifestyle.

"Our success is anchored on consumers' trust and loyalty in our brands based on our unwavering respect for the environment, passion for consumers and attention to quality," said Blaser.

Over the years, Nestlé has significantly extended its product range to include more than 8,000 brands recognised by consumers on all five continents.

Nestlé's portfolio today includes dairy products, coffee, ice cream, infant food, chocolates and Maggi culinary products, confectionery, porridges, breakfast cereals, beverages and pet food.

"We have a steadfast commitment to innovation, increased consumer choice, consumer education and job creation. Over the years we have sought to highlight the importance of healthy eating choices for consumers worldwide to meet every budget," said Blaser.

Nestlé is the world's largest manufacturer, employing more than 330,000 people and operating 468 plants in 86 counties.

Research and development

Nestlé prides itself in research and development, having 32 Research and Development Centres and 300 Application Groups worldwide, as well as a Science and Research Centre all aimed at introducing products that not only taste good, but are also good for the consumer.

"Today, we continue to aim to enhance lives with science-based nutrition, health solutions for all stages of life, helping people care for themselves and their families. Our company is framed in a robust set of principles and values which have been developed over 150 years," added Blaser.

In 2015, Nestlé invested US$1.7 billion in research and development, predominantly for food and beverage businesses and filed 292 patents.

Key research in 2015 included the start of a study in Southampton, Singapore and Auckland into nutrition during and before pregnancy, and research into replacing sodium with potassium to improve cardiovascular health.

Last year, Nestlé Jamaica celebrated 75 years in Jamaica with its products and brand portfolio ranging from Supligen, Carnation and Gloria Evaporated Milks, Betty and Nestle Sweetened Condensed Milks, Nestle Breakfast Cereals, Maggi, Milo, Nescafe, Coffee-mate, Nesfruty, Nestum, Klim and Cerelac, all of which have leading market and category positions.

According to Blaser, NestlÈ's conviction will continue to enshrine Henri Nestle's values, as Nestlé looks forward to the next 150 years of 'Good Food, Good Life'.

"Our collaborative relationship built over the years is symbolic of trust and dedication, which is the cornerstone of our success."

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com