François-Louis Cailler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
François-Louis Cailler
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| Born | 11 June 1796 |
| Died | 6 April 1852 (aged 55) Corsier-sur-Vevey, Switzerland
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| Nationality | Swiss |
| Occupation | Chocolatier |
| Known for | Founder of the oldest chocolate brand in Switzerland still in existence |
| Relatives | Daniel Peter (son-in-law) |
François-Louis Cailler (born June 11, 1796 – died April 6, 1852) was a clever Swiss businessman. He was one of the first people to make chocolate in a big way. In 1819, he started the Cailler company. This was the very first modern brand of Swiss chocolate. It's also the oldest Swiss chocolate company that is still around today!
Contents
The Story of François-Louis Cailler
Early Life and Learning
François-Louis Cailler was born in Vevey, Switzerland, on June 11, 1796. Vevey is a town in the Vaud region. When he was young, he learned how to be a grocer in Vevey. A grocer sells food and household items.
After his training, Cailler traveled to northern Italy. In the city of Turin, he learned a special skill. He discovered how to make chocolate from a company called Caffarel. This was a very important step for him!
Starting the Chocolate Business
In 1818, Cailler came back to Switzerland. He teamed up with Abram L.C. Cusin. They opened a grocery store in Vevey together. Their business was called Cailler & Cusin.
The very next year, in 1819, Cailler decided to focus on chocolate. He turned an old mill in Corsier, near Vevey, into a chocolate factory. This was a huge step! It became the Cailler company. It was also the world's first chocolate factory that used machines.
Growing and Overcoming Challenges
From 1820, Cailler rented more factory space. He wanted to make even more chocolate. However, his partnership with Cusin ended in 1821. A few years later, around 1826, Cailler's business faced tough times and went bankrupt. This means he ran out of money and couldn't pay his debts.
Around this time, he married Louise-Albertine Perret. She was from Boudry. Luckily, Cailler's company recovered. He then bought two new factories. These factories used water power to run their machines. They were located in Corsier-sur-Vevey and Vevey.
François-Louis Cailler passed away in Corsier on April 6, 1852. His wife, Louise-Albertine, and their sons, Auguste and Alexandre, continued to run the company.
Cailler's Lasting Legacy
The Birth of Milk Chocolate
Cailler's family continued his work. In 1875, his son-in-law, Daniel Peter, had a brilliant idea. Peter lived next to Henri Nestlé, who made condensed milk. Daniel Peter thought, "What if I mix chocolate with condensed milk?" This amazing idea led to the invention of milk chocolate!
Joining Forces with Other Brands
Over time, the Cailler company grew. In 1911, it joined with two other chocolate companies. These were Peter's company and Charles-Amédée Kohler's company. At this time, Cailler was run by François-Louis's grandson, Alexandre-François-Louis Cailler.
Together, they formed a big company called Peter, Cailler, Kohler, Chocolats Suisses S.A. Later, in 1929, a giant food company called Nestlé bought this chocolate group. Today, Cailler chocolate is still a famous and loved brand. It all started with François-Louis Cailler's vision!
