The story of Nestlé European Chocolate |  | | A Sweet Story |  |  | | | | Offering Superior Quality Chocolates Rich in History and Tradition.
In nearly every country around the globe, Nestlé is synonymous with chocolate. As one of the largest chocolate makers in the world, Nestlé takes great pride in continuing the traditions of intellectual and technological innovation that have made it famous.
16th Century
The roots of chocolate can be traced back to the 1500s in South America, where the cocoa bean was first harvested. However, the exquisite chocolate that is enjoyed by millions of people today is the result of a few revolutionary individuals from Europe.
 19th Century
The history of Nestlé European Chocolate began in the snow-capped hills of Vevey, Switzerland, in the early part of the 19th century with a vision by Francois-Louis Cailler, the very first producer of Swiss chocolate. Cailler experienced chocolate for the first time at a local fair, where Italian chocolate makers were stirring it right before his eyes. It enticed him so intensely that he traveled to Italy to study the art of chocolate making. Four years later, he returned to Switzerland and established the first Swiss chocolate factory in a town near Vevey called Corsier. The industry was transformed when Cailler began producing smooth chocolate and formed it into a bar - a move that quickly eclipsed the area's widely popular and pervasive coarse-grained chocolate. Soon after, he opened a second factory, which he sold 20 years later to his son Julien and equally inspired son-in-law Daniel Peter.
Peter's introduction to chocolate began with his love for Cailler's daughter, Fanny. A friend and neighbor of Henri Nestlé, Peter experimented with chocolate for years and later revolutionized the industry forever by combining Nestlé's condensed milk with cocoa powder to create milk chocolate. Peter continued the legacy of fine chocolate making throughout the 19th century, and is responsible for leading the company in to a new era of dominance in the industry.
 During this same time period, Charles-Amédeé Kohler was also making significant contributions to the art of chocolate making in Lausanne, Switzerland. His passion for chocolate was similar to that of Cailler and Peter, and lead him to develop hazelnut chocolate-deemed one of the greatest benefits to the industry. Years later, Kohler merged with Peter and Cailler to form one of largest chocolate companies at that time.
20th Century
For three decades, the company called Peter, Cailler, Kohler relied on Nestlé for milk and marketing expertise. Thus, they were able to align themselves with Nestlé's international network. In 1929, the almost inevitable merger took place as Nestlé acquired Peter, Cailler, Kohler, and began sharing superior quality chocolates with the world.
21st Century
Centuries in the making, Nestlé European Chocolates are now enjoyed by millions for their exquisite taste and premium quality. These fine imported confections from Nestlé include Perugina® - indulgent chocolates full of Italian tradition and passion; Baci® - a combination of chocolate and hazelnuts inspired by legends of love; After Eight® - mint chocolates rich in British heritage; and Quality Street® - chocolate sweets inspired by the London stage. | | | | |
