Nestle is a large multinational food and beverage company based in Switzerland that operates globally. It has over 400 plants across 60 countries and employs nearly a quarter million people worldwide. Nestle traces its origins back to 1866 and is Switzerland's largest company as well as one of the largest in the world. As a major global food producer, Nestle faces competitive pressures from new entrants and substitute products but maintains market leadership through product diversity and a large global network.