1866-1905 1905-1918 1918-1938 1938-1944 1944-1975 1975-1981 1981-1996 1996-On
1944-1975
The close of World War II marked the beginning of the most dynamic phase of Nestlé's history. Throughout this period, Nestlé's growth was based on its policy of diversifying within the food sector to meet the needs of consumers. Dozens of new products were added as growth within the Company accelerated and outside companies were acquired.
In 1947, Nestlé merged with Alimentana S.A., the manufacturer of Maggi seasonings and soups, becoming Nestlé Alimentana Company. The acquisition of Crosse & Blackwell, the British manufacturer of preserves and canned foods, followed in 1950, as did the purchase of Findus frozen foods (1963), Libby's fruit juices (1971) and Stouffer's frozen foods (1973).
Meanwhile, Nescafé continued its astonishing rise. From 1950 to 1959, sales of instant coffee nearly tripled, and from 1960 to 1974, they quadrupled. The Company's total sales doubled twice in the 15 years after World War II. The development of freeze-drying led to the introduction, of Taster's Choice instant coffee, in 1966.
Finally, Nestlé management reached the decision to diversify for the first time outside the food industry. In 1974, the Company became a major shareholder in L'Oréal, one of the world's leading makers of cosmetics.