Henri Nestle founded Nestlé S.A., the world's biggest food and beverage company. During his life he slowly gravitated towards foods and foodstuffs, experimenting with various recipes for baby-food to help mothers who were unable to breastfeed, and eventually came up with a concoction he called farine lactée. In 1875 he sold his company for a million francs.
Background
Heinrich Nestlé was born in Frankfurt in 1814. Before Nestlé turned 20 in 1836, he had completed a 4-year apprenticeship with J. E. Stein, an owner of a pharmacy. At the end of 1839, he was officially authorized to perform chemical experiments, make up prescriptions, and sell medicines. During this time, he changed his name to Henri Nestlé in order to adapt better to the new social conditions in French-speaking Vevey, Switzerland.
Education
1829-1833 - apprenticeship with J. E. Stein, an owner of a pharmacy
Career
From 1839 – worked as a pharmacist.
From 1843 – bought into one of the region's most progressive and versatile industries at that time, the production of rapeseeds; became involved in the production of nut oils (used to fuel oil lamps), liqueurs, rum, absinth and vinegar; began manufacturing and selling carbonated mineral water and lemonade.
From 1857 – began concentrating on gas lighting and fertilizers.
1867 – founded Nestlé; sold his company in 1875 to his business associates.
Politics
He was a German political refugee.
During his education he had contacts with the opposition.
Views
Henri Nestlé embodied many of the key attitudes and values that form part and parcel of Nestlé corporate culture: pragmatism, flexibility, the willingness to learn, an open mind and respect for other people and cultures.
Henri Nestlé chose his own coat of arms to represent the company's philosophy: a bird's nest, with a mother feeding her young. The image represents our core values: care, family values, nutrition, healthy growth, safety and comfort.