Nescafé is the world’s leading instant coffee brand, owned and marketed by Nestlé. Launched in Switzerland on 1 April 1938, it has grown into one of the most recognisable coffee brands globally and is currently sold in more than 180 countries. The brand offers an extensive range of products, including instant coffee, roast and ground coffee, capsules, ready-to-drink beverages, and coffee mixes.1

The name Nescafé is a portmanteau derived from “NES”, representing Nestlé, and “CAFÉ”, the French word for coffee. This combination reflects the company’s original objective to create a convenient coffee product that retains authentic flavour.2

The origins of Nescafé trace back to 1929, when Brazil faced a significant surplus of coffee beans following a global economic downturn. The Brazilian government approached Nestlé to develop a method for preserving excess coffee without compromising quality. Swiss chemist Max Morgenthaler led a research team that spent seven years formulating a soluble coffee powder capable of retaining the natural aroma and taste of coffee.

The resulting product, Nescafé, was officially launched in Switzerland in 1938. During World War II, the brand gained widespread popularity after being included in the emergency rations of United States soldiers. Following the war, its international recognition expanded rapidly, establishing it as one of the world’s best-known coffee brands.3

Nescafé produces a broad portfolio of coffee products, including:

• Instant coffee (Nescafé Classic)
• Premium instant coffee (Nescafé Gold)
• 3-in-1 coffee mixes
• Coffee capsules
• Roast and ground coffee
• Ready-to-drink canned and bottled coffee
• Specialty coffee beverages

Product availability varies by market. In the Philippines, for example, popular variants include Nescafé Classic, Original, Creamy White, Creamy Latte, and Gold.4

Nescafé is sold in over 180 countries and is considered one of the largest coffee brands worldwide. The brand serves millions of cups daily through supermarkets, convenience stores, cafés, offices, hotels, restaurants, and vending solutions.5

Nescafé has invested significantly in sustainable coffee production through initiatives focused on responsible sourcing, farmer training, and improved agricultural techniques. The brand promotes regenerative agriculture, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and works towards improving recyclable and sustainable packaging. Nestlé has stated long-term goals to increase the share of responsibly sourced coffee and expand regenerative farming practices across its supply chain.

Nescafé’s advertising has traditionally centred on themes of social connection, morning routines, friendship, and productivity. The brand’s global slogan has evolved over time, with the current international tagline being “Make Your World”.6

• Introduced: 1938
• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Parent company: Nestlé
• Product category: Instant coffee and coffee beverages
• Availability: More than 180 countries
• Origin: Developed after Brazil sought a solution for excess coffee production
• Status: One of the world’s best-selling coffee brands

Nescafé is a pioneering brand that transformed coffee consumption by making it fast, convenient, and widely accessible. Since its launch in 1938, it has expanded from a single instant coffee product into a global portfolio of beverages enjoyed by consumers around the world. Continued investment in innovation, sustainability, and quality has helped maintain its position as one of the most recognised and influential coffee brands globally.7

1. Nescafé
2. The fascinating history of NESCAFÉ® | Nescafé Global
3. About Us | The NESCAFÉ Story | Nescafé UK&IE
4. The fascinating history of NESCAFÉ® | NESCAFÉ® Philippines
5. NESCAFÉ | Nestlé Philippines
6. Our Brands: NESCAFÉ | Nestlé Philippines
7. Nescafé | Nestlé Coffee Brand | Nestlé Global