2006 marks the 200th anniversary of the founding of Colgate-Palmolive. The small soap and candle business that William Colgate began in New York City early in the 19th century is now, in the 21st century, a truly global company serving hundreds of millions of consumers worldwide.
Colgate Palmolives 200-year anniversary reflects the strength and innovation that Colgate people have used to constantly transform the Company and identify new opportunities. With global brands sold in over 200 countries; Colgate, Mennen, Palmolive, Ajax, Softsoap, and Hills Pet Nutrition are among the worlds most recognizable household names, trusted and relied upon by consumers everywhere.
History:
1806
William Colgate starts a starch, soap and candle business on Dutch Street in New York City.
1817
First Colgate advertisement appears in a New York newspaper.
1864
B.J. Johnson opens a soap factory in Milwaukee, WI which later becomes the Palmolive Company.
1866
Colgate introduces perfumed soap and perfumes/essences.
1872
Peet Brothers establish soap company in Kansas City.
Cashmere Bouquet, the first milled perfumed toilet soap, is registered as a trademark.
1879
Gerhard Mennen establishes a pharmacy in Newark, NJ, later becoming the Mennen Company.
1898
Palmolive soap enters the market. Today, the Palmolive equity is sold in over 88 countries in 54 variants.
1902
Stylish Palmolive advertising begins, emphasizing ingredient purity and product benefits. 1906
Colgate & Company celebrates its 100th anniversary. Product line includes over 800 different products. 1908
Colgate is incorporated by five sons of Samuel Colgate. 1914
Colgate establishes its first international subsidiary in Canada. 1920s
Colgate begins establishing operations in Europe, Asia, Latin America and Africa. 1926
Soap manufacturers Palmolive and Peet merge to become Palmolive-Peet Company. 1928
Colgate merges with Palmolive-Peet to become Colgate-Palmolive-Peet Company. 1930
On March 13, Colgate is first listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
1947
Ajax cleanser is launched, establishing a powerful now-global brand equity for cleaning products.
1953
Colgate-Palmolive Company becomes companys official name.
1956
Colgate opens corporate headquarters at 300 Park Avenue in New York City.
1962
Colgate opens research center in Piscataway, NJ.
Fabric conditioner is launched in France as Soupline. Today, fabric
conditioners are sold in over 54 countries around the world.
1966
Palmolive dishwashing liquid is introduced and today it is sold in over 35 countries.
1970
Irish Spring launches in Germany as Irische Fruhling and
in Europe as Nordic Spring. In 1972, Irish Spring is introduced in
North America.
1975
Caprice hair care launches in Mexico. Today, hair care products are
sold in over 70 countries, with variants to suit every type of hair
need.
1983
Colgate Plus toothbrush is introduced. Today over 1.6
billion Colgate toothbrushes are sold annually worldwide. If you lined
them up end to end, they would circle the globe 16 times.
1985
Protex bar soap is introduced, and today offers all-family antibacterial protection in over 56 countries.
1987
Colgate acquires Softsoap liquid soap business from the
Minnetonka Corporation. Today, Colgate is the global leader in liquid
hand soap.
1991
Colgate acquires Murphy Oil Soap, the leading wood cleaner in the U.S.
Today, its product portfolio has expanded to include all-purpose
cleaners, sprays and wipes.
1992
Colgate acquires the Mennen Company. Today, Mennen products are sold in over 52 countries.
1995
Colgate enters Central Europe and Russia, expanding into fast-growing markets.
1997
Colgate Total toothpaste is introduced and quickly
becomes the market leader in the U.S. Only Colgate Total, with its
12-hour protection, fights a complete range of oral health problems.
2004
Colgate acquires the GABA oral care business in Europe,
with its strength in the important European pharmacy channel and its
ties with the dental community.
2006
Today, with sales surpassing $10 billion, Colgate
focuses on four core businesses: Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care
and Pet Nutrition.
Colgate Palmolive
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