Our Journey
Here's a timeline of our rich history.
1927
It all started with the Gerber family
Dorothy Gerber started straining solid foods for her 7-month-old daughter Sally. After repeating this process many times, Dan Gerber pointed out that the work of straining fruits and vegetables could be easily done at their canning business, based in Fremont, Michigan. Workers in the plant began requesting samples for their own babies, and the legacy of Gerber® baby foods began.
1928
Finding the first Gerber Baby
In 1928, Gerber held a contest to find a face to represent a baby food advertising campaign. Artist Dorothy Hope Smith entered her simple charcoal sketch of a tousle-haired, bright-eyed cherub of a baby with endearing pursed lips. In her entry, Smith noted that she would finish the sketch if she won. Her drawing competed with elaborate oil paintings, but the judges fell in love with the baby face Smith drew, and when they chose it as the winner, they insisted that the simple illustration remain a sketch. The image of this happy, healthy baby was soon to become the face that launched a brand, a face recognized and loved across the globe.
1978
Gerber Baby’s Identity Revealed!
In a poll taken across the United States, people speculated as to the identity of the Gerber Baby. Guesses ranged from movie stars Humphrey Bogart and Elizabeth Taylor to Senator Bob Dole. Over the years there have been rumors of the actress Jane Seymour being the Gerber Baby. But mystery novelist and retired English teacher Ann Turner Cook knew the correct answer: She is the Gerber Baby.
Dorothy Hope Smith, a neighbor of the Turner family, drew the portrait and after more than 85 years, Mrs. Cook’s sparkling eyes and adorable, curious baby face still personify the Gerber brand, representing Gerber’s commitment to happy, healthy babies all over the world.
1986
Personalized Parent Support at a Grander Scale
Gerber launches Gerber Parents' Resource enter, a toll-free customer relations hotline, to support parents by providing answers on everything from baby food to parenting issues.
2011
Mercy Townsend wins Gerber Generation Photo Search!
Gerber launches their Gerber Generation Photo Search and two-year-old Mercy Townsend of Toledo, Ohio is announced the grand prize winner!
2020
Magnolia Earl - Gerber's First Adopted Spokesbaby
Magnolia Earl, of Ross CA is announced grand prize winner of Gerber's 2020 photosearch, the day before her first birthday. Magnolia is Gerber's first adopted spokesbaby !
Doing our part
Our Approach to Sustainability
Gerber was founded on the ambition to give babies the best start in life. That's why our work doesn't stop at nutrition, and why every day, we take action to protect the planet so Gerber babies will grow and thrive for generations to come.
Reusable Packaging
We're striving to achieve 100% nationally recyclable or reusable packaging by 2025.
Responsible Agriculture
We're committed to sourcing high-quality ingredients that nourish your baby and the planet through our Clean Field Farming™ practices.
Accountable Supply Chain
We're working toward zero waste, and reducing carbon emissions and water use by 35% by 2020.
For your peace of mind.
Gerber is proud to announce we have achieved the most Clean Label Project certifications of any US infant feeding brand. The Clean Label Project First 1,000 Day Promise certification is a first of its kind and requires the most comprehensive testing panel for chemicals, heavy metals, and pesticides of all Clean Label Project certifications.
Our Research
With 24 research technology centers worldwide, Nestlé has the largest food research and development network of any food company. Nestlé’s Worldwide Research & Development network provides three fundamental areas of benefits for parents: safety and quality; nutrition and health; and taste, texture, and convenience.
How Our Discoveries Help Your Baby
One of the most notable research efforts is the Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (FITS), an ongoing initiative for the past 17 years to better understand young children's diets and related behaviors.
2002
Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (FITS)
FITS 2002 was the first undertaking of its size and revealed interesting facts about what infants and toddlers were really eating. Several key issues were brought to light —notably that many toddlers failed to get adequate amounts of several important nutrients, including vitamin E, calcium, potassium, and dietary fiber. In addition, it revealed that many infants and toddlers weren’t eating a discrete portion of fruit or vegetable serving on a given day.
Gerber Nutritional Journey
We’ve got the Gerber Nutrition Journey: a milestone based plan dedicated to helping babies grow up healthy and happy. We take pride in knowing that everything we do for our little ones extends from Pregnancy to Preschooler.
Join MyGerber
Parenthood comes with questions, and we want to help. That’s why we’ve created MyGerber, an easy-to-use service with access to smart tools, experts, the latest articles and great offers.
Exclusive Perks & Offers
Recieve samples & save on your little one's favorites
Direct Access to Baby Experts
Complimentary virtual appointments with MyGerber registered dietitians, certified sleep coaches and lactation coaches.
Content Made for you
Receive personalized content in your inbox each month with parenting tips.
Monthly Surprises
On top of everything else, we'll sprinkle in surprises to keep up the fun for both you and baby.
