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Nestlé History

For over 140 years, Nestlé has been applying its nutrition expertise in the development of products that contribute to the health and wellness of consumers, evolving into the world’s foremost Nutrition, Health and Wellness company. Headquartered in Vevey, Switzerland, Nestlé currently employs over 275,000 people in 481 factories and operations in almost every country around the globe.

"Good Food, Good Life" is the foundational philosophy upon which Nestlé continues to build an ever-increasing portfolio of quality brands that not only deliver on great taste, but on nutritional value as well. To that end, the company invests around USD 1.5 billion in research and development alone, every year.

For more information on Nestlé, go to Nestlé Worldwide.

Nestlé in the Middle East

Following nearly 70 years of success and heritage since its first Middle East operation in Lebanon in the early 1930s, Nestlé Middle East was founded in 1997 in Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai, and today serves as a regional hub to fulfil the needs of the GCC, the Levant, Iran and Iraq markets.

To date, Nestlé has invested more than USD 400 million in the region, owning and operating 14 factories and 16 offices. These capital investments have contributed heavily to creating job opportunities, enhancing technological and manufacturing capabilities, and fostering national economies around the region.

Nestlé in the Middle East: Milestones

1934

First Nestlé operation set up in Lebanon, importing products to the Middle East from Vevey, Switzerland

1946

Agency created in Beirut for Lebanon, Syria, Palestine and Iraq

1955

Contract signed with Bassamah Trading in KSA

1957

SEPN Syria legally established

1962

Nestlé World Trading Corporation (NWTC) was established in Beirut, overseeing the Middle East including Iraq, KSA, Egypt and Libya

1976

The agreement signed with Syria to produce CERELAC under license for 10 years in a government-owned factory

1982

MAGGI and CERELAC local production started in KSA

1992

A license was granted in Syria to manufacture MAGGI, MILO and CERELAC; production started in 1997

1995

Nestlé Jordan Trading Co. created

1996

Nestlé Kuwait General Trading Co. created

1997

Nestlé Middle East formed, consolidating the GCC and Levant

1997

Food Specialties Bethlehem Co. created in Palestine

2001

Nestlé resumed business operations in Iraq

2003

CERELAC production started at Nestlé Iran PJSCo

2003

Nestlé Oman Trading Co. created

2004

Nestlé Bahrain Trading Co. created

2005

Nestlé Qatar Trading LLC created

2006

Nestlé Dubai LLC created

2011

Nestlé Saudi Arabia LLC was created