It is a story of emigration/return migration. In 1866, the American brothers Charles and George Page founded a condensed milk factory, known as the "Milchsüdi" in Cham. The co-partner is a Swiss, along with three other acquaintances of the brothers. The Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company is founded. Condensed milk is one of the first products to be industrially produced in Switzerland. In addition, the "Anglo-Swiss" is the first condensed milk factory in Europe. Milk is preserved.
From the Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company to Nestlé
An early copy of a bond issued by the Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company on 1 January 1875. Source: Stiftung Sammlung historischer Wertpapiere.
A share dated 1.11.1918 with preserved coupon sheet. Source: Stiftung Sammlung historischer Wertpapiere.
A share after the merger of Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Co. and Nestlé, 1.8.1905. Source: Stiftung Sammlung historischer Wertpapiere.
A share from 1948, here only with the nest, which is also part of the logo today. Source: Stiftung Sammlung historischer Wertpapiere.
The Page brothers aren't the only developers. In 1867, the pharmacist Henri Nestlé created a powder mixture of wheat flour, sugar and cow's milk in Vevey (VD). He markets it under the names "Farine lactée" and "Children's flour" as a breast milk substitute. As 1875, he sold the brand and name to three regional entrepreneurs, who merged with Anglo-Swiss in 1905 after years of fierce competition.
The brand "Milkmaid" advertise condensed milk as a safe, long-lasting fresh milk alternative. Source: Boston Public Library, via Wikimedia Commons
Nestlé & Anglo-Swiss expands in the food sector: Nescafé in 1938, canned food, ice cream, frozen and chilled products in the 1960s, Thomy in 1971 and mineral water from 1969. Since 1971, Nestlé has been the largest food company in the world. Due to public controversy and boycott campaigns, the WHO adopted a code in 1981 to restrict the marketing of milk substitutes in developing countries. Today, Nestlé, the world's largest bottler of drinking water, is repeatedly the subject of public debate.
Source Header image: Werbeplakat via Wikimedia Commons