Nestlé | 150 years of Nestlé

Nestlé has a presence in more than 180 countries, making it the largest industrial enterprise in Switzerland. In honour of its 150th anniversary, the food group invited all its employees in Switzerland – from factory workers to top management – to a wonderful summer festival in Lausanne, with street food and music. More than 9,000 visitors attended the event.

Expo Beaulieu’s two halls and spacious grounds were a riot of colour and activity. From Japanese delicacies to hamburgers and real burritos, dishes from all over the world were served to visitors at more than 60 stands. The summer night’s festivities kicked off with a welcome address from CEO Peter Brabeck-Letmathe and Paul Bulcke, chairman of the Board of Directors. Thousands of Nestlé employees gathered to listen to their speeches on the main open-air stage.  

With moods running high, it was the cue for several thrilling performances to get underway. One of the highlights was Bastian Baker singing together with classical musicians from the Verbier Youth Orchestra in a unique performance just for Nestlé’s festival. An intelligent transport solution ensured that all festival guests were able to get to and from their accommodation via public transport. SBB laid on special trains and various regional transport operators arranged buses. If it had been up to the visitors, the festivities would have continued long into the night. Everybody was still in the mood to celebrate even as the trains stood waiting to take the guests home.