Peter’s® Chocolate celebrates 150 years of excellence

Brand credited with inventing milk chocolate honors legacy while embracing future innovation

WAYZATA, MN (Feb. 18, 2025) — Since pioneering the first milk chocolate recipe in 1875, Peter’s^® Chocolate has defined premium indulgence. This year, the brand celebrates 150 years of distinctive chocolate production, honoring its lengthy heritage and reaffirming its commitment to best-in-class quality.

“Peter’s Chocolate has long been synonymous with innovation and excellence,” said Kojo Amoo-Gottfried, Vice President and Managing Director for Cocoa and Chocolate, Cargill Food North America. “As we celebrate this milestone, we’re proud to empower today’s chocolatiers, bakers, pastry chefs and artisan ice cream makers with the finest chocolate ingredients, enabling them to delight consumers with indulgent, memorable experiences.”

The story of Peter’s Chocolate began in Vevey, Switzerland. There, chocolatier Daniel Peter spent eight years perfecting his groundbreaking formula for milk chocolate. Peter’s innovative method of dehydrating milk to form “milk crumb” and combining it with chocolate revolutionized the industry, creating a fine, velvety smooth chocolate that wouldn’t spoil. By 1887, his iconic “Chocolat au lait Gala Peter” became the first commercially sold milk chocolate, cementing its place in history.

In 1901, Peter’s Chocolate crossed the Atlantic. An American businessman from Lamont, Corliss & Company discovered the brand’s exceptional quality and secured U.S. distribution rights. By 1917, the brand established its first manufacturing facility in Fulton, NY, solidifying its reputation as a world leader in premium chocolate. After several ownership changes, Cargill acquired the heralded brand in 2002. Today, the company continues to uphold Daniel Peter’s vision by producing milk chocolate using his original whole milk crumb method.

Alongside its signature milk chocolate offerings, Peter’s Chocolate now offers a diverse array of products, including dark chocolate, white chocolate, confectionery coatings and other specialty products. Like the milk chocolate recipe that started it all, each formula is meticulously crafted to deliver the precise flavor profile and consistency that professionals demand and chocolate lovers crave. 

“This anniversary is not just about celebrating the past,” Amoo-Gottfried said. “It’s about looking ahead. We remain committed to blending tradition with innovation to create exceptional chocolate for generations to come.”

To commemorate the historic milestone, Cargill created a limited-edition calendar featuring iconic imagery from Peter’s past ad campaigns. Secure a piece of chocolate history by downloading a digital version.

#    #    #

About Cargill

Cargill is committed to providing food, ingredients, agricultural solutions, and industrial products to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. Sitting at the heart of the supply chain, we partner with farmers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living.

Our 160,000 team members innovate with purpose, providing customers with life’s essentials so businesses can grow, communities prosper, and consumers live well. With 160 years of experience as a family company, we look ahead while remaining true to our values. We put people first. We reach higher. We do the right thing—today and for generations to come. For more information, visit Cargill.com and our News Center.

Peter’s^® Chocolate: A Rich History of Indulgence

1875: Swiss chocolatier Daniel Peter unlocks the secret to mixing milk with chocolate, creating the world’s first milk chocolate.

1887: Daniel Peter unveils his “Chocolat au lait Gala Peter” the first commercially sold milk chocolate bar. To root his new invention in ancient tradition, Peter chooses the Greek word “Gala” (which means “from the milk”) to adorn his bars.

1901: An American businessman from Lamont, Corliss & Company discovers Peter’s Chocolate and secures the rights to sell it in the United States.

1917: Peter’s Chocolate establishes its first manufacturing facility in Fulton, New York. It’s located in what was the heart of the country’s dairy industry, ensuring a sufficient supply of a key ingredient, high-quality milk.

1951: Peter’s Chocolate becomes part of Nestlé Chocolate Company.

2002: Cargill acquires the Peter’s Chocolate brand.

2025: Peter’s Chocolate celebrates its 150-year anniversary.