No thanksNestle
We would like you to take a survey about Research & Development
Introduction

Listen to this article:Flash object that read this page. Download as mp3

Nestlé with headquarters in Vevey, Switzerland was founded in 1866 by Henri Nestlé and is today the world's leading nutrition, health and wellness company. Sales for 2008 were CHF 109.9 bn, with a net profit of CHF 18.0 bn. We employ around 283 000 people and have factories or operations in almost every country in the world.

The Company's strategy is guided by several fundamental principles. Nestlé's existing products grow through innovation and renovation while maintaining a balance in geographic activities and product lines. Long-term potential is never sacrificed for short-term performance. The Company's priority is to bring the best and most relevant products to people, wherever they are, whatever their needs, throughout their lives.

The Nestlé Addresses navigation at the top of this page will give you access to Nestlé offices and websites around the world. We demonstrate through our way of doing business in all the countries where we are present a deep understanding of the local nature of nutrition, health and wellness; we know that there is no one single product for everyone - our products are tailored to suit tastes and habits wherever you are.

Key Figures 2008
Sales 109 908 million Swiss francs
Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, restructuring and impairments (EBIT) 15 676 million Swiss francs
as % of sales 14.3%
Net profit 18 039 million Swiss francs
as % of sales 16.4%
Capital expenditure 4 869 million Swiss francs
as % of sales 4.4%
Market capitalization, end December 150 409 million Swiss francs
Earnings per share 4.87 Swiss francs
Dividend (proposed) 1.40

Key Dates
1866   Foundation of Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Co.
1867   Henri Nestlé develops infant cereal
1905   Nestlé merges with Anglo-Swiss
1929   merger with Peter, Cailler, Kohler
1934   Milo launched
1938   launch of Nescafé
1948   launch of Nestea and Nesquik
1969   Vittel (initially equity interest only)
1974   L'Oréal (associate)
1977   Nestlé S.A. (new company name), Alcon
1985   Carnation (with Coffee-Mate and Friskies)
1988   Buitoni-Perugina, Rowntree
1990   Cereal Partners Worldwide
1991   Beverage Partners Worldwide
1992   Perrier
2000   PowerBar
2001   Ralston Purina
2003   Mövenpick and Dreyer's
2006   creation of FoodServices SBU, Jenny Craig, Uncle Toby's
2007   Novartis Medical Nutrition, Gerber, Henniez