From the first tin of condensed milk to Maggi meal bases and TUX dog biscuits, Nestlé has been in Kiwi’s homes for 140 years – woven into everyday moments, shared meals and family traditions. It’s a legacy built not just on food, but on community, innovation, and a deep connection to the Kiwi way of life.
Our Beginning in 1885
Our journey in Aotearoa began in 1885 when Arthur Nathan of Auckland became Nestlé’s first local agent. Before you could say ‘condensed milk,’ the Underwood Milk Condensory Factory was up and running, marking the first Nestlé product made in Aotearoa.
European settlers carried Nestlé’s condensed milk and infant cereal in their luggage – products that offered safe, long-life nutrition in a time when food preservation was a challenge. These products quickly became household staples and just as fast, Nestlé was officially part of Kiwi life.
Growing with the Nation
As New Zealand grew, so did Nestlé. In 1929, we opened our first local factory in Parnell, Auckland, producing Scorched Almonds for a nation developing a sweet tooth. By the 1930s, Milo – a malted cocoa drink invented in Australia – had arrived and soon became a Kiwi favourite.
The post-war decades saw expansion and diversification of the Nestlé portfolio. Nestlé merged with Maggi in 1947, introducing soups and seasonings to Kiwi pantries. Soon after, the production of TUX dog biscuits began, keeping Kiwi dogs ‘fit as a fiddle, sharp as a knife’ using locally sourced meat and grains. And in 1960 the legendary Kiwi Onion Dip was whipped up in the Nestlé test kitchen – forever changing party platters across the country.
In 1962, then Prime Minister Keith Holyoake inaugurated the Cambria Park factory in Wiri, South Auckland. Originally built to increase production of Nescafé instant coffee, the site evolved into a powerhouse of production, churning out everything from Scorched Almonds to Maggi gravies.
In the 1970s, we introduced New Zealand’s first coffee granules – Nescafé Classic. The 1980s brought Maggi Cook in the Pot and Two Minute Noodles, perfect for busy families. And the 1990s saw the launch of Cereal Partners Worldwide and Purina Fancy Feast.
The new millennia was all about innovation and community. We purchased US-based Ralston Purina and merged it with Friskies to create Nestlé Purina Petcare. And shortly after Uncle Tobys joined our family of brands!
Made in New Zealand
Nestlé has created thousands of jobs, supported local suppliers, and invested in industrial growth. Over the last 5 decades, New Zealanders have been enjoying a wide range of Nestlé products – many made on home soil.
Our commitment to local manufacturing remains as strong today, as it did in our early years. Today, we operate three major production facilities: Cambria Park in Auckland, the Nestlé Health Science factory in Wiri, Auckland, and the Purina PetCare factory in Marton, Rangitīkei.
These sites not only supply the domestic market but also export to Asia-Pacific, sharing our good food with communities abroad as well.
Investing in Kiwi Communities
We also invest in the future of Kiwi communities. For over a decade, the GOOD with Nestlé School Programme that has been supporting teachers across Aotearoa to raise nutrition, health, sustainability and food waste knowledge with school-age children in New Zealand.
Additionally, the Nestlé Cook for Life programme teaches young people cooking, budgeting and nutrition skills in Auckland schools, working with dietetic interns from Massey University to build life-long healthy habits. As well, we have been investing in up-and-coming chefs through the Golden Chef’s Hat Award for 60 years.
We’ve also partnered with New Zealand dairy co-operative Fonterra, to develop New Zealand’s first net-zero carbon emissions dairy farm pilot, showing leadership in sustainable agriculture.
And that’s not all! In 2021, Nestlé New Zealand achieved a major milestone – transitioning all our sites to 100% renewable electricity, four years ahead of the global Nestlé target. We remain committed to continuing to improve the sustainability of our products and operations.
Looking ahead
Our story in New Zealand is one of authentic and enduring connection. From nourishing early settlers to growing with modern families, to building factories and supporting local communities, we’ve grown side by side with New Zealanders.
Today, Nestlé New Zealand is proudly building on its 140 years of heritage – not just preserving the past but shaping the future. We’re committed to staying a trusted part of Kiwi lives, continuing to deliver ‘good food, good life’ for generations to come.
