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Charles-Amédée Kohler facts for kids

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Charles-Amédée Kohler
Charles-Amédée Kohler.jpg
Born 15 June 1790
Lausanne, Switzerland
Died 15 September 1874(1874-09-15) (aged 84)
Lausanne, Switzerland
Nationality Swiss
Occupation Chocolatier
Known for Creator of hazelnut chocolate

Charles-Amédée Kohler (born Charles-Gottlieb Kohler) was a Swiss chocolatier. He was born on June 15, 1790, and passed away on September 15, 1874. He is well-known for starting his own chocolate company, Chocolat Kohler. He also invented a very popular treat: hazelnut chocolate! He created this delicious recipe in his factory, which opened in Lausanne, Switzerland, in 1830. After he died, his company continued to be a big part of the Swiss chocolate world. It later joined with other famous chocolate makers like Peter and Cailler. Finally, the large food company Nestlé bought it in 1929.

Biography

Early Life and Family Business

Charles-Amédée Kohler was born in Lausanne, Switzerland. This was on June 15, 1790. His father, Gottlieb Kohler, was a merchant. He sold various goods, including items from faraway lands and wine. When Charles-Amédée was young, he joined his father's business. The family business had been active in Lausanne since 1793.

In 1817, Charles-Amédée partnered with his brother, Frédéric, and his father. They formed a company called Amédée Kohler et Fils. This was a wholesale business. A wholesale business sells goods in large amounts to other businesses, not directly to customers.

Creating Chocolate

In 1830, Charles-Amédée bought a mill in downtown Lausanne. He turned it into a chocolate factory. This is where he came up with the famous recipe for chocolate mixed with hazelnuts. This invention made his chocolate very special!

After his father died in 1833, Charles-Amédée focused entirely on making chocolate. His brother Frédéric left the company the next year. In 1849, Charles-Amédée bought another building. It was a sawmill in Sauvabelin, a neighborhood in Lausanne. He changed this sawmill into a new, bigger factory. He then moved all his chocolate production there.

Sauvabelin
View of Le Flon Valley and Sauvabelin in 1860. Kohler's second chocolate factory is in the background.

Retirement and Legacy

In 1865, Charles-Amédée Kohler decided to retire. He handed over the company to his sons. Their names were Charles-Amédée (who had the same name as him) and Adolphe. Charles-Amédée Kohler passed away in Lausanne on September 15, 1874. His invention of hazelnut chocolate left a lasting mark on the world of sweets!

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