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Our Story

Hermes and Hermesetas –
A Success Story

A series of coincidences led to the success of artificial sweeteners – Hermes’ success is based on prudent decisions.

1878
The discovery of saccharin

The German chemist Dr. Christian Fahlberg discovers saccharin by accident, marking the beginning of the history of low-calorie sweeteners.

1904
Hermes AG is founded

The trading company Hermes AG is established in Zurich following the merger of several, predominantly Swiss manufacturers of artificial sweeteners. The company quickly specialises in the manufacture, sale and distribution of saccharin and other sweeteners.

1914
Sweeteners on the rise

With the outbreak of World War I, sugar stocks in Europe are rapidly dwindling and the sweeteners that had previously been condemned by the sugar industry are now very welcome. The sweetener industry experiences a boom and Hermes flourishes.

1932
The first branded sweetener: Hermesetas

Hermes registers the brand name “Hermesetas” as one of the world’s first sweetener brands. Especially in the UK as well as in Northern and Southern Europe Hermesetas soon becomes one of the most popular sweeteners.

1954
Assugrin is launched

The company introduces the brand “Assugrin”. Soon Hermes is producing and distributing both sweetener brands –Hermesetas and Assugrin – in over 100 countries in the form of tablets, granulated powder and liquid sweetener. The company becomes the market leader in many European countries.

1963
Hermes AG is renamed Hermes Süssstoff AG

Hermes wants to have its core competency as a specialist in table-top sweeteners reflected in the company’s name. From now on it is known as Hermes Sweeteners Ltd.

1970
Klosterfrau acquires Hermes Süssstoff AG

The German pharmaceutical company Klosterfrau, one of the ten largest European suppliers in the self-medication sector, becomes Hermes Süssstoff AG’s main shareholder. The acquisition has a positive impact on the development of Hermes Süssstoff AG, resulting in a sixfold increase of sales to just under 70 million Swiss francs within the next 30 years.

1971
Sanaro takes over production

The Swiss production company Sanaro SA in Vouvry (Canton of Valais) takes on the production of Hermes sweeteners.

1976
New production plant at Vouvry

A state-of-the-art production plant is constructed on a 33,000 m2 industrial site in Vouvry. In accordance with the most rigorous international quality standards, about 100 employees produce Hermes’ sweeteners using high-performance, computer-controlled manufacturing and filling facilities.

1988
Hermesetas Gold is launched

Hermesetas Gold contains a blend of aspartame (200 times sweeter than sugar) and the heat-stable acesulfame K. The sweetener is especially popular because it tastes very much like sugar.

1995
Reorganisation of Hermes Süssstoff AG

Responsibilities within the company are redefined, not least to increase the efficiency of marketing across borders and for specific target groups. The international hub for sales and the coordination of marketing activities is based in Zurich.

1999
Hermesetas Granulated with Fructofibres® is launched

The carrier substances used in this product are 100% plant-based and the prebiotic ingredients it contains are beneficial to the intestinal flora. Hermesetas Granulated Sweetener with Fructofibres® therefore has the double advantage of being a practically no-calorie sugar substitute and stimulating metabolism.

2004
Hermes celebrates 100-year anniversary

After its first century, Hermes can look back on a highly successful company history. The determining factors for this success have been consistent quality, a healthy growth, dependability, innovation, as well as a distinct market orientation and customer focus.

2010
SteviaSweet is launched

Everyone is talking about stevia. With the launch of SteviaSweet, Hermes is the first producer of sweeteners to introduce a convenient, consumer-friendly product based on plant-derived steviol glycosides.

2016
Hermesetas Crunchy is launched

The crunchiness of this calorie-free sweetener is very sugar-like although it is twice as sweet. The product is perfect for cooking and baking, sprinkling on cereals, fruit or desserts.

2017
Hermesetas gets a new look

The traditional brand presents itself in a new outfit with modern imagery. The reduced visuals make for a clear-cut, uncomplicated and genuine new look. Hermesetas maintains its brand colour blue.