Gerber Products Company

Gerber Products Company

File:Gerber logo.svg

Type	Subsidiary
Key people	Bill Partyka (CEO)
Industry	Food
Products	Baby food, baby care products

Gerber Products Company is a major American manufacturer of baby food and baby care products. Founded in 1927 by Daniel Frank Gerber, the company has become a household name in the United States and many other countries. Gerber is a subsidiary of the multinational corporation Nestlé.

History

The origins of Gerber Products Company can be traced back to 1927 when Daniel Frank Gerber, who was managing the Fremont Canning Company in Michigan, decided to produce strained baby food for his daughter, Sally. The idea was suggested by his wife, Dorothy Gerber, who was preparing hand-strained food for their child. Recognizing the potential market for such a product, Gerber began mass-producing baby food, which quickly gained popularity.

In 1928, Gerber introduced five products to the market: strained peas, prunes, carrots, spinach, and beef vegetable soup. The company expanded rapidly, and by 1941, Gerber was distributing its products nationwide in the United States.

Products

Gerber offers a wide range of products designed to meet the nutritional needs of infants and toddlers. These include:

• Infant Cereals: Fortified with iron and other essential nutrients.
• Purees: A variety of fruit and vegetable purees.
• Snacks: Designed for toddlers, including puffs and yogurt melts.
• Meals: Complete meals for toddlers, such as pasta and vegetables.
• Beverages: Juices and water designed for young children.

Research and Development

Gerber is committed to research and development to ensure the quality and safety of its products. The company employs nutritionists, pediatricians, and food scientists to develop products that meet the dietary needs of infants and toddlers. Gerber also conducts extensive testing to ensure that its products are free from harmful substances and meet all regulatory standards.

Marketing and Branding

Gerber is well-known for its iconic "Gerber Baby" logo, which features a sketch of a baby’s face. The logo was introduced in 1928 and has become one of the most recognizable trademarks in the world. The original Gerber Baby was Ann Turner Cook, whose image was selected from a contest held by the company.

Acquisition by Nestlé

In 2007, Gerber was acquired by Nestlé, a Swiss multinational food and drink processing conglomerate. The acquisition allowed Gerber to expand its global reach and benefit from Nestlé's extensive resources in research and development.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Gerber is involved in various initiatives aimed at improving child nutrition and health. The company supports programs that provide education and resources to parents and caregivers about infant nutrition and development.

Also see

• Nestlé
• Infant nutrition
• Baby food
• Daniel Frank Gerber