Brands. History of Nestle: company acquisitions, scandals, litigation

The Swiss company Nestlé is the largest and most influential food manufacturer in the world. In addition to goods for people, it also produces animal feed, and for some time now Nestlé has included the production of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. The company's headquarters is located in Switzerland, but the goods are sold all over the world. The company was founded in 1866, initially it produced condensed milk. A year after the launch of production, pharmacist Henri Nestlé developed a formula for feeding babies who were left without breastfeeding. The product gained deafening popularity, and this gave rise to the famous trademark. The official website of the company http://www.nestle.ru/.

It is in the city of Vevey, where main office company, milk chocolate was first created - this first production became part of the concern. The Swiss company entered the world market at the beginning of the 20th century. Today it produces not only chocolate and baby food, but also instant coffee, ice cream and many other products. Production facilities are located in different countries, including Russia.

What do job seekers promise at Nestle?

To get a job in a large corporation, you need to have work experience. Some positions require driving license. The company provides official employment. And although salary information is not published, this company offers higher than average wages in the market. Transportation expenses within the framework of official duties are compensated, and one of the advantages of working at Nestlé is the opportunity for career growth.

What are the current vacancies at Nestlé?

  • merchandiser;
  • HR specialist;
  • medical representative;
  • medical representative for baby food;
  • Sales Representative;
  • forwarding driver;
  • business analyst, etc.

Where to look for jobs at Nestle?

Trud.com has all the latest announcements from large corporations and small businesses. Do you know exactly what job you are looking for? Then customize the search using filters - sort ads according to the parameters that are important to you. The service allows you to specify the desired salary, form of employment and other parameters. With Trud.com, you will be the first to know about open career opportunities!

Julia Vern 10 526 1

The progenitor of the famous company NESTLE was a successful pharmacist from Switzerland, Henry Nestlé, who was fascinated by the creation of a product for artificial feeding children, he officially founded his brainchild in 1867, probably not even implying that his brand would become synonymous with quality and the best traditions in the field of food production in a few decades. The familiar company logo in the form of birds sitting in a nest is nothing more than the Nestlé family coat of arms, which he did not want to change even for a trademark in the form of a white cross present on the flag of his homeland.

Henry Nestle began research on infant feeding back in the 60s of the 19th century, when there was a high infant mortality due to malnutrition. Looking for the perfect alternative to breastfeeding, he experimented with milk, sugar and wheat flour, eventually developing a new product called Henry Nestlé Milk Flour. The resulting mixture was a real breakthrough, and thanks to its unique characteristics immediately won the trust of consumers. A premature baby, whose body rejected mother's milk and all products replacing it, helped to make sure of the quality and nutritional value of the product. When even the help of doctors was ineffective, the NESTLE milk formula performed a miracle and saved the life of the baby, after which it received great trust in society and after a few years became in demand in most European countries.

How to stay ahead of the competition?

In the mid-70s of the 19th century, Nestle, led by the new owner Jules Monner, began to produce condensed milk under its own brand. This decision was provoked by the desire of the "Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company" to expand its range with a substitute breast milk. In the meantime, new interesting solutions, one of which was milk chocolate, invented by Deniel Peter. Later he created his own company, which became a leading player in the production of chocolate, and later part of the NESTLE corporation.

At the beginning of the 20th century, these two competing companies merged under the name "Nestle and the Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company", and after some time, factories in the USA and some European countries operated in the possession of the new corporation. In 1907, thanks to large-scale production in Australia, output doubled. At the same time, warehouses were being built in Singapore, Bombay and other Asian countries.

How to increase sales despite the hard times?

During the First World War, which created a detrimental environment for the production and marketing activities of the company, NESTLE sells almost all of its stocks to make up for the shortage of fresh milk in Europe. However, in the meantime, government orders are being received for the production of dry and condensed milk. To meet this demand, Nestle acquires several more factories in the US and thereby doubles production.

The post-war period brought with it a deep crisis associated with the rise in prices for raw materials and the fall of the currency, all these consequences did not bypass the Nestle company. At this time, management makes a major reorganization decision and begins to expand its traditional business with new products such as malted milk, instant drinks and powdered baby buttermilk. A revolutionary creation and one of the main discoveries of NESTLE was the instant powder NESCAFE, which appeared in 1938 and continues to be in demand among coffee lovers to this day. And even during the Second World War, which affected NESTLE with a significant reduction in profits, the unique drink enjoyed incredible popularity and was duly accepted by American soldiers and officers. Thanks to this trend, NESCAFE sales reached a million boxes by 1943, making NESTLE the leader in the coffee business, and the company's profit by the end of World War II was more than two hundred and twenty million dollars, which was twice the profit of 1938.

post-war period marked a period of diversification for NESTLE and a new alliance with Alimentana S.A. and "Maggi and Company", which was largest enterprise for the production of instant soups, seasonings and bouillon cubes. The result of the merger was the creation of the NESTLE Alimentana Company holding, whose composition was replenished already in 1950 by the British canned food manufacturer Crosse & Blackwell, and a little later by Findus, a manufacturer of frozen fish products. From the mid-60s to the early 70s, Libby and Stouffer were added to the holding, producing fruit juices and frozen foods, respectively.

During all this time the popularity instant coffee NESCAFE steadily gained momentum, low-temperature vacuum drying technology was developed, thanks to which a new brand of coffee called TASTER'S CHOICE was born.

Get out of the familiar zone to stay afloat

In the mid-70s, due to the beginning of the deterioration of the economic situation, due to high prices for "black gold" and the depreciation of currencies around the world, the prices of coffee and cocoa increased significantly. NESTLE is forced to adapt to changing realities and expand beyond its usual food business. In 1974, the company acquires shares in L'Oreal, and a little later becomes the owner of Alcon Laboratories, Inc., engaged in ophthalmic and pharmaceutical production.

A sure way to the podium

In the 1990s, favorable conditions came for the development of NESTLE, barriers to trade were abolished, new sales lines were opened in China, Central and Eastern Europe. Starting in 1996, the company's management decided to sell some brands, such as Findus, and buy new ones, such as San Pellegrino and Spillers Petfoods.

Throughout the 20th century, NESTLE changed the direction of its activities, expanded the geographical boundaries of its activities, surprised people with new inventions and developments in the food industry. It can be confidently said that NESTLE has already entered the new 21st century as the undisputed leader in the field of food production, the company has about five hundred operating factories, and the annual sales income exceeds 90 billion Swiss francs.

The year 2007 marked a symbolic return to the roots for the company with the purchase of the Gerber brand, known worldwide as a leading manufacturer of baby food. Thus, NESTLE gets the opportunity to fully continue the work of its founder, as well as to develop the concept of proper and healthy nutrition.

How did Nestlé come to Russia?

Petersburg merchant Alexander Wenzel and Henry Nestle in late XIX century signed an agreement for the supply of milk products to Russian Empire, from that very moment, the development of partnerships between NESTLE and Russia began.

In the 90s, Nestlé created a Russian distribution network, developing large-scale sales of the most popular products, such as Nescafe and Nesquik. After that, he opens a representative office, which became in 1996 independent company under the name Nestle Food LLC, which ten years later, as a result of mergers, was renamed Nestle Russia.

Popular representatives of Nestlé, such as Nescafe, Russia-Generous Soul, Maggi, Nuts, have been repeatedly awarded various awards in the field popular recognition, which is an indisputable fact of the love of Russian consumers for the company's products.

Favorite coffee from Nestlé

From 1938 to the present day, the NESCAFE brand is perhaps the most popular among all Nestle products, on this moment it has seven produced coffee lines. Let's talk in more detail about each of them.

NESCAFE Classic. Granulated instant coffee, produced in soft packaging and a glass jar, has a tart classic coffee taste and rich aroma. Such a drink will be appreciated by fans of the morning traditions of drinking coffee, charging with vivacity and energy.

NESCAFE Gold. Freeze-dried instant coffee that has absorbed different varieties roasted coffee beans, balanced and harmoniously combined in one drink. In the Nescafe Gold line, you can choose soft, strong, rich coffee, or made from roasted and unroasted green beans. Supplied in a glass jar or soft zippered packaging.
NESCAFE Montego. Freeze-dried instant coffee of medium roast beans. Thanks to specially selected varieties, a unique blend of the drink is created, which has an original refined taste.
NESCAFE Gold Barista. The so-called trend in coffee production, made according to the innovative development of creating ground coffee in instant, and in no way inferior to a drink from a coffee shop. This effect is achieved by adding Arabica beans to ground coffee before crystallization. During the brewing of the product, all the shades and flavors of superfine ground grains are released.

NESCAFE Espresso. Instant coffee of a premium class, when brewed, an air foam appears on the surface. To create a delicate blend filled with fruity shades, Arabica varieties are carefully selected and dark roasted.
NESCAFE Dolce Gusto. Capsules for a coffee machine that allow you to prepare high-quality and tasty drinks at home, like in a coffee shop, while the choice of taste in this line is striking in its diversity:

  • classic black coffee;
  • hot chocolate;
  • espresso;
  • cappuccino and latte;
  • cocoa etc.

NESCAFE "3 in 1". A small stick - a lifesaver for those who want to get a boost of energy immediately, perfectly combines the taste of coffee and cream. Available in various variations: strong, soft, classic and caramel flavored.

Coffee is an indispensable drink for people leading a busy lifestyle, it is rich in antioxidants that actively prevent the aging process and many diseases. nervous system. A variety of NESCAFE lines allows you to choose a refreshing drink to your liking and taste even the most sophisticated coffee connoisseur.

Wonder drink Nesquik

Instant chocolate drink Nesquik was developed in 1948 and it was then called Nestle Quik, the second part of the name translated from English means “quick”, thus the manufacturers symbolized the speed of dissolving cocoa powder in milk. In 1999, the brand received its current more sonorous name. The mascot of the trademark throughout its existence has been and remains the Kviki rabbit, which, along with the name of the product, sometimes changed its image.

Delicious and fragrant Nesquik cocoa is ideal for a growing body, it contains a lot of vitamins and minerals necessary for skeletal system and brain activity of the child. This amazing drink is available in a classic version and with a strawberry flavor.

Chocolates from Nestle - a pleasure for all occasions

Chocolate bar "NUTS". Ideal for those times when you need to quickly stimulate brain activity, and, as you know, hazelnuts in combination with chocolate cope with this task as well as possible. In addition, the bar contains caramel and nougat.

Bar "Nesquik". Mini-chocolate produced in different variations: with crispy wafer or with puffed rice, nougat and milk filling. This delicacy is especially popular among children.

"KIT KAT". A bar based on crispy wafers and milk chocolate perfectly satisfies the feeling of hunger and maintains a feeling of satiety for a long time. This chocolate bar first appeared in 1935 in London, since then the names and design of the wrapper have changed several times, but the quality and originality of taste have remained at the same level.

Chocolate tiles "Russia - Generous Soul". Decently represents Nestlé in the bar chocolate category, it is available in a variety of variations, each of which has an original composition that combines only the highest quality ingredients: dark and milk chocolate, marmalade, cookies, nuts and raisins.

Leading manufacturers of baby food

Henry Nestle began the development of his activities, taking as a basis the goal - to find a unique formula formula that would be a full-fledged analogue of breast milk and help solve the problem of lack and incorrectness of baby food. Having achieved the goal, the founder of NESTLE own example proved that you can achieve a lot in your endeavors if you have desire benefit people.

The business of the Swiss pharmacist has been successfully going on for more than 140 years. The company produces baby formulas, purees, cereals and other baby food products of famous brands, which are rightly highly valued all over the world due to the unsurpassed quality of their products.

NESTLE products are designed to provide a proper and healthy diet, bring maximum benefit to the baby, improve digestion, normalize the microflora, reduce the risk intestinal infections and strengthen immunity. All mixtures intended for infants are as close as possible in their characteristics to natural mother's milk.

The concept of NESTLE: both in life and in the profession

The main principle of Nestlé's activity is the desire to create common values ​​and attitudes in life both in corporate and in privacy. Executive Director of Nestle S.A. Paul Bulke believes that the key to the success of any company is the desire to have a beneficial impact on society, that is, there should be corporate social responsibility for people.

The Nestle company, producing high-quality and healthy foods nutrition, aims to stimulate in society the desire for a healthy lifestyle, proper and wholesome nutrition, as well as to minimize Negative influence to the ecological situation.

As part of its concept, Nestlé has successfully implemented several activities:

  • Improving product quality standards. Since 2010, the Nestle Cocoa Plan program has been implemented, aimed at achieving ideal parameters for the quality and taste of the products produced. The essence of the program is caring attitude to environment, in which cocoa trees grow, as well as to the people who grow them. To this end, Nestlé participates in the development of farms, improvement social conditions farmers and maintaining the quality of the natural environment. In Russia, the Cocoa Plan program began with the presentation of new KIT ​​KAT bars, made in accordance with new standards.
  • Creation of innovative divisions within the company, the primary task of which is the development of unique food products, with the help of which the prevention and treatment of certain diseases is carried out.
  • Establishment of partnership relations with the Association of Free Labor, which allows timely suppression of the facts of illegal exploitation of the labor of children.
  • Acquisition of Pamlab, a medical nutrition company.

This time, the LifeHacking site introduces our readers to the history of the creation of Nestle!

1. Swiss pharmacist Henry

Swiss pharmacist Henry Nestle concerned about baby food. Henry decided to create a product that was exactly like mother's milk. Soon the pharmacist creates such a product called Farine Lactee Henry Nestle(milk flour Henry Nestle). Powdered milk consisted of the most natural ingredients of the time: milk, sugar and wheat flour. Artificial milk turned out no worse than natural mother's milk. Then Henry decides to create his own milk production company.

Already in 1867 a pharmacist we know creates a company called Nestle(very selfish). The main goal of the company was to create a quality product for kids. First main consumers of products Nestle became a baby who could not tolerate mother's and regular milk. He was having an allergic reaction. The doctor could do nothing to help the baby. Then Henry offered to give him milk of his own preparation, and it did not cause allergies. Thus, dry flour from Nestle saved the life of a baby. In the future, this case aroused general interest, and Nestle products quickly gained popularity throughout Europe. Along with the popularity, Henry's wallet gained thickness, because the product brought a good income for the Nestle family.

In 1886 year Anglo-Swiss Milk Company created by two brothers Charles and George Page began to produce milk for babies. Initially, the American company produced condensed milk. Upon learning of this, Nestle launched the production of condensed milk in response. What a twist! The Pages were shocked by Henry's cheeky response!

2. Family coat of arms

A nest with birds is the family coat of arms of the Nestle family, translated from German Nestle means "small nest". When Henry Nestlé was asked to change the logo to a Swiss cross, he said:

“Unfortunately, I cannot accept your idea of ​​replacing the socket with a Swiss cross, since I cannot have different trademarks for each country. Anyone can use the cross, but no one else can use my family crest."

In 1905, two competing companies merged and then a new one appeared. Nestle and Anglo-Swiss Milk Company. At that time, Nestle already owned several factories in the US, Britain, Spain and Germany. Already in 1907, the company began to capture the Australian market in order to increase sales.

At the beginning of the First World War, the company's business went worse, because the delivery of raw materials slowed down. Delivery routes were cut off, there was not enough raw material, then the company squandered all its stocks of fresh milk. However, there were also positive aspects: the US Army needed condensed milk and powdered milk. Nestle company avoided its end thanks to the state order for the army. Military dry rations included condensed milk and powdered milk. And at the front, soldiers loved condensed milk. The company did not have enough factories, so they bought a few more factories in America. By the end of the war, sales had doubled from the best sales before the war. Nestle at that time had 40 factories.

3. First chocolate and Nescafe

In 1921 In 2008, the company suffered its first losses, the reason for this was: the rise in prices for raw materials, the fall in the exchange rate, a complete lull in the economy. Then a Swiss banking expert, Louis Daples, appeared in the company. Having carried out a number of reforms in the work of the company, he managed to normalize production.

also in early 20th century the first chocolate appeared, which became as in demand as condensed milk during the war years. In parallel, the company began to produce an instant chocolate drink, pasta for children and the familiar coffee. Nescafe!

During the Second World War Nestle again increased sales volume. All products of the company were in demand: instant coffee, condensed milk, chocolate, pasta. In 1943 year, the company's annual income was 100 million dollars, and late 1945 almost 245 million dollars. Instant coffee brought the most revenue to the company Nescafe!

After the war years affected the company the best way. It was during these periods that the company expanded itself and expanded its product range. After World War II, the company merged with companies Alimentana S.A., which produced instant soups, and Maggie, thus forming a new holding Nestle Alimentana Company.

4. Entering a larger market

Nestle did not stop at companies Alimentana S.A. and maggie, the next step in the development of the company was the acquisition of a holding producing canned food, Crosse & Blackwell. Then in 1963 year, the company is already releasing new products of frozen and canned food under the brand name Findus.

Over the next eight years, the company actively bought out other companies, holdings and brands. Thus, in 1971 year Nestle acquires Libby- company producing natural nectars and juices. Further, the brand is included in the composition Stouffer. Nestle becomes the largest industry of its time.

Further actions of the company bring the company large earnings. Sales Nestle increased by more than 4 times! In 1966, the company created a new technology for making coffee. The technology was a low-temperature drying process! Thus, Nestle is releasing a new brand of coffee - Taster's Choice.

In 1974 year the company buys the holding L'oreal producing cosmetics. Nestle goes beyond the food industry!

5. Nestle in our time

AT 1990 year began the liquidation of a company engaged in the food industry. This situation was at hand Nestle. It was during this period that the company began even more vigorous activity. Competitors' products were quickly replaced by the company's products. New markets are emerging in China, allowing Nestle to increase its sales.

Nowadays it is difficult to imagine a product that would not have been manufactured by the company Nestle. After all, Nestle is baby food, culinary products, coffee, chocolate, pasta, ready-made breakfasts, hygiene products and much more. The company owns large quantity factories around the world. Products Nestle in demand in more than 60 countries of the world!

The first children's products were made Henry Nestle, the rest of the food was developed by the company itself. Children's natural juices are very popular in our time, as the best for children. But people don’t even think that the company had to buy out a whole holding and a bunch of rights for its production.

Thanks to the site life hacking, you can now show off your knowledge of Nestle in front of friends.

Brand: Nestle

Tagline: Product quality. Quality of life (English Good food, good life)

Industry: food production

Products: Food

Owner company: Nestlé S.A.

Year of foundation: 1866

Headquarters: Switzerland

In the mid-60s of the XIX century, an experienced pharmacist Henry Nestle began to experiment with various combinations milk, wheat flour and sugar in an attempt to create an alternative food source for infants who could not be breastfed. Its main goal was to help solve the problem of child mortality caused by insufficient and malnutrition. The new product was named Farine Lacte Henry Nestle (Nestlé Milk Flour).

After the new breast milk replacer formula Nestle saved the life of a premature baby, whose body did not perceive either mother's milk or its substitutes that existed at that time, this product received well-deserved recognition, and after a few years Farine Lactee Nestle was actively sold in most European countries.

The Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company, founded in 1866 by the Americans Charles and George Page, became the company's main competitor. Nestle, expanded its range to include cheese and breast-milk substitutes in the mid-1970s. Company Nestle, which Henry Nestle sold to Jules Monner in 1874, responded by launching its own brand of condensed milk on the market.

In 1875, a resident of the city of Vevey (Switzerland) Daniel Peter came up with a method for obtaining milk chocolate by combining milk and cocoa powder. Peter, a friend and neighbor of Henry Nestle, founded a company that quickly became the world leader in chocolate production and later became part of the corporation. Nestle.

A distinctive feature of the development of the corporation at present is the development and creation of Vehicle the third millennium based on the use of environmentally friendly technologies and the use of engines with increased fuel efficiency.

Corporation "Ford Motors Company" in 2003 celebrated the 200th anniversary of its creation.

HISTORY OF NESTLE COMPANY

ORIGIN OF THE COMPANY
The basis for the emergence of the enterprise, which later grew into the well-known company Nestlé, was the research of the Swiss pharmacist Henry Nestlé, who was trying to create a breast milk substitute for feeding babies. Using milk, wheat flour and sugar, Henry Nestlé developed a product called Farine Lactee Henry Nestlé - "Henry Nestlé Milk Flour". The company for the production and sale of this product was established in 1867.
His goal was to create nutrition for babies who, for one reason or another, could not be fed with mother's milk, thereby partially solving the problem of infant mortality from insufficient or malnutrition.
The first consumer of the new product was a premature baby, whose body did not accept either mother's milk or existing substitutes, and doctors were powerless to help the baby. After the life of a child was actually saved thanks to the new product, Nestlé Milk Flour received wide recognition and within a few years was successfully sold in most European countries.
Meanwhile, the Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company, founded in 1886 by Americans Charles and George Page, expanded its product range and began producing breast milk substitutes in the mid-1970s. Nestlé, owned by Jules Monner since 1874, took the step back and launched its own brand of condensed milk on the market. The companies remained the main competitors in this area until they merged in 1905.

HISTORY OF THE LOGO
Henry Nestle decided to use his family coat of arms - a nest with birds - as a trademark. in Swiss dialect German language Nestlé means "little nest". One of the sales agents suggested replacing the nest with the white cross of the Swiss flag, but Nestlé abandoned this idea: “I'm sorry, but I can't afford to replace the nest with the Swiss cross, I can't have different trademarks for each country - anyone can use the cross, but no one can use my family crest."

ENTRY TO THE WORLD MARKET
In 1905, a merger took place, which resulted in the formation of a company called Nestlé and Anglo-Swiss Milk Company. Already at the beginning of the 20th century, the company owned factories in the United States, Britain, Germany and Spain.
In 1907, the company began to conquer the Australian market, which allowed it to double its production volume. At the same time, warehouses were opened in Singapore, Hong Kong and Bombay to meet the demand for these products in the rapidly growing Asian market.
However, the main production facilities were still located in Europe, and the outbreak of the First World War dealt a serious blow to the company's activities. It became increasingly difficult to obtain raw materials and distribute finished products. A shortage of fresh milk across Europe has forced factories to sell off almost all stocks to meet the needs of the population.
But, despite the difficulties, the war created an unprecedented demand for powdered and condensed milk, mainly due to government orders. To deal with them, Nestlé acquired several factories in the United States. By the end of the war, the company owned 40 factories, and the volume of production compared to 1914 had almost doubled.

THE APPEARANCE OF NESCAFE
The post-war period brought with it a crisis for Nestlé. Government orders ceased to arrive, and people, accustomed during the war to dry and condensed milk, preferred to return to fresh as soon as it became available again. In 1921, the company suffered a loss for the first time. Rising commodity prices, the post-war lull in the world economy and depreciation of currencies exacerbated the situation.
Nestlé management reacted quickly to the situation and brought in Swiss banking expert Louis Daples to reorganize the company. By balancing production and sales levels and reducing outstanding debt, he got the company running.
In the 1920s, Nestlé expanded beyond its traditional range for the first time. Chocolate production has become the second most important activity of the company. New products appeared: malted milk, Milo instant drink, powdered buttermilk for children and, in 1938, Nescafé. This instant powder has revolutionized the world of coffee consumption and is rapidly gaining popularity.

GLOBAL SHOCKS
The outbreak of World War II had a negative impact on Nestlé's operations. The company's profits dwindled from $20 million in 1938 to $6 million in 1939. Neutral Switzerland became increasingly isolated from war-torn Europe, and the company relocated much of its workforce to Stamford, Connecticut.
Ironically, the second World War helped speed up the latest product companies - Nescafé. After the United States entered the war, Nescafé became the staple drink american soldiers and officers serving in Europe and Asia. By 1943, annual production reached a million boxes.
As during the First World War, the level of production and sales in the conditions of the war economy increased significantly: total sales jumped from $100 million in 1938 to $225 million in 1945. By the end of the war, Nestlé executives suddenly found themselves in charge of the leading concern in in the global coffee business, as well as in other traditional Nestlé production areas.

PRODUCTION GROWTH AND RANGE EXPANSION
Postwar years became the most dynamic phase in the history of Nestlé. During this period, the growth of the company was based on the expansion of the range of food products produced by the company. Alimentana S.A. has joined Nestlé. - manufacturer of soups and condiments Maggi. The name changed to Nestlé Alimentana Company. This was followed by the acquisition in 1950 of Crosse & Blackwell, a British manufacturer of canned foods, as well as Findus in 1963 (frozen foods), Libby in 1971 (fruit juices) and Stouffer in 1973 (frozen foods).
Meanwhile, Nescafé's popularity continued to rise. Instant coffee sales almost tripled between 1950 and 1959, and quadrupled between 1960 and 1974. The company's sales have quadrupled in the 15 years since the end of World War II. The development of a new technology for low-temperature drying led to the appearance in 1966 new brand instant coffee - Taster's Choice.
Finally, Nestlé's management decided to go beyond the food industry for the first time. In 1974, the company became the largest shareholder in the world's leading cosmetics company, L'Oreal.

CHANGE OF POSITION
In 1974, Nestlé's position began to change. For the first time since 1920, the company's economic situation worsened due to rising oil prices and a slowdown in the economic growth of industrialized countries. In addition, world currencies fell against the Swiss franc. As a result, between 1975 and 1977, coffee prices quadrupled and cocoa prices tripled. As in 1921, the company had to react quickly to a radically changed market situation.
Increasing sales in developing countries partially cushioned the impact of the downturn in Nestlé's traditional markets, but at the same time carried the risk of volatile political and economic situation in these countries. To maintain balance, Nestlé acquired Alcon Laboratories, Inc., a non-food US manufacturer of pharmaceutical and ophthalmic products.

NESTLE TODAY AND TOMORROW
The first half of the nineties was a favorable period for Nestlé: trade barriers were eliminated, and the world market continued to integration processes. Opening of the Central and of Eastern Europe, as well as China, provided Nestlé with new ways to market its products.
Nestlé began the 20th century by merging with the "Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company" to expand its product range and geographic reach. The company enters the new millennium as a confident leader in the food industry, with more than 500 factories in 70 countries and annual sales of over 71 billion Swiss francs.
Since 1996, consolidation processes have been reflected in the acquisition of an Italian concern for the production mineral water San Pellegrino (in 1997), the purchase of the English company Spiller Petfoods (in 1998), and the decision to sell the Findus brand (in 1999) in order to focus on the production of more profitable frozen foods. The acquisition of Spiller Petfoods strengthened Nestlé's position in Europe in the pet food market, which the company entered back in 1985 with the acquisition of Carnation and its Friskies brand. Carnation was acquired at auction for US$3 billion. At that time she had big weight among US food companies. The merger was one of the largest in the history of the food industry.
Nestlé's recent decision to close ground coffee businesses in the US (Hill Bros, MJB, Chase & Sanborn) will allow the company to focus on the new high-end Nescafé line, which began production in September 1999.
Maintaining a leading position in a volatile market requires sufficient mobility from the company. The existing range of products is supplemented, the geography of activities is expanding

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