Cailler is a Swiss chocolate brand and production factory based in Broc. It was founded in Vevey by François-Louis Cailler in 1819 and remained independent until the early 20th century, when it associated with other producers. Shortly before, Cailler opened its main factory at Broc in 1898. The company was finally bought by Nestlé in 1929 and became a brand.[1][2] Cailler is the oldest chocolate brand still in existence in Switzerland.François-Louis Cailler was born in Vevey, Switzerland in 1796. Together with Abram L. C. Cusin, Cailler first opened a grocery shop in Vevey in 1818, where chocolate was also sold. At that time, chocolate was essentially considered as a tonic rather than a delicacy, and transport of raw ingredients was slow and difficult. Cailler soon opened his first chocolate factory in neighbouring Corsier-sur-Vevey in 1819. It is considered one of the first modern chocolate factories.[3] The factory allowed Cailler to produce solid and affordable chocolate, that was moulded into tablets or small blocks.[4][5][6] Cailler was successful and, after a few years, he proposed sixteen different sorts of chocolate with different packagings.[7] Among popular products were pur caraque and commun sucré, which were also exported outside Switzerland. Vanilla and cinnamon flavoured chocolate bars were also made by Cailler.[5] Chocolate production increased with the opening of two other factories in Corsier and Vevey in 1832 and 1840. The factories were located on the Canal de la Monneresse and were water powered.[1][8] François-Louis Cailler died in 1852 and his wife Louise-Albertine continued to run the company along with their sons, Auguste and Alexandre.[1] [Wikipedia]
