Last Updated:

2024-02-28 14:44:47

Procter & Gamble

American multinational consumer goods corporation

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American multinational consumer goods corporation

Procter & Gamble, founded in 1837, specializes in personal health, care, hygiene products. It has various segments including beauty, grooming, health care, fabric care. In 2014, P&G recorded $83.1 billion in sales. The company streamlined in 2014, focusing on 65 brands. A.G. Lafley, former chairman, aimed for a simpler company. As of 2023, P&G is ranked 55th in the Forbes Global 2000. Jon Moeller is the current president and CEO.

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123

P&G's emphasis on people

P&G's success as one of the largest consumer goods company is attributed to their focus on passionate and motivated people who believe in doing better than good every day.

1234

Diversity programming

Procter & Gamble initiated a diversity program for all employees, providing training and support to foster leaders regardless of sex, race, or religious orientation, predating the U.S. government's mandate on this matter.

1837

Procter & Gamble Establishment

Procter & Gamble was established in Cincinnati, Ohio, specializing in manufacturing various products.

1837-10-31

Procter & Gamble Creation

William Procter, a candlemaker, and James Gamble, a soapmaker, became business partners after being persuaded by their father-in-law, Alexander Norris, and as a result, Procter & Gamble was created.

1840

Founding of Procter & Gamble

In 1840, Procter & Gamble was founded, and it has since become a leading global consumer goods company.

1848

Procter & Gamble expands with rail links

In 1848, Procter & Gamble expanded as Cincinnati was linked to major cities of the East via rail. This expansion contributed to the company's growth.

1850

Addition of Moon and Stars Logo

In 1850, the Procter & Gamble Company began to add its Moon and Stars logo to its goods, marking a significant milestone in the company's branding and marketing history.

1851

Creation of P&G's moon-and-stars symbol

Around 1851, Procter & Gamble created its famous moon-and-stars symbol, which became a significant part of the company's identity.

1854

Lease of office building in Cincinnati

In 1854, Procter & Gamble leased an office building in downtown Cincinnati, marking a milestone in the company's expansion.

1859

P&G reaches $1 million in sales

By 1859, Procter & Gamble achieved $1 million in sales, signifying its rapid growth and success in the industry.

1860

Procter & Gamble's expansion during Civil War

In 1860, on the brink of the Civil War, Procter & Gamble expanded its operations by procuring rosin, showcasing its resilience during challenging times.

1861

Procter & Gamble supplies Union Army during American Civil War

During the American Civil War, Procter & Gamble earned contracts to supply the Union Army with candles and soap, contributing to the war effort.

1869

Transcontinental railroad links benefit P&G

The completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869 opened new markets for Procter & Gamble, contributing to its continued growth and success.

1875

P&G hires first full-time chemist

In 1875, Procter & Gamble hired its first full-time chemist, marking a significant step in the company's research and development efforts.

1878

Launch of Ivory Soap

In 1878, Procter & Gamble introduced Ivory Soap, a significant addition to its product line that contributed to its success.

1879

Introduction of Ivory Soap by James N. Gamble

In 1879, James N. Gamble introduced Ivory Soap, an innovative single bar of soap that could be used for both laundry and bathing. This revolutionary product became one of the most legendary brands of the company, making a significant impact on the market.

1882

Trademark registration with US Patent Office

In 1882, Procter & Gamble registered its trademark with the United States Patent Office, safeguarding its brand against potential imitations.

1886

Ivorydale modern manufacturing facility

After a disastrous fire at the first plant, Ivorydale is purposefully built as a modern manufacturing facility with the latest designs for safety and comfort of employees. This marks the beginning of P&G's expansion of manufacturing principles across the globe.

1887

Profit-Sharing Program Initiated

William Arnett Procter initiated a profit-sharing program for the company's workforce, aiming to reduce the likelihood of strikes by giving the workers a stake in the company.

1890

Incorporation of The Procter & Gamble Company

In 1890, The Procter & Gamble Company was incorporated, with William Alexander Procter as its first president, marking a pivotal moment in the company's history.

1901

KC Gillette Razor Patent

King C. Gillette patents the KC Gillette Razor, an alternative to the straight razor, with a permanent handle and disposable blade, providing men with a safe and convenient way to shave.

1905

Education Equality

James N. Gamble helps establish what becomes the Bethune-Cookman University, marking the beginning of the company’s tradition of supporting historically black colleges and universities.

1911

Introduction of Crisco

In 1911, Procter & Gamble introduced Crisco to the public, a product resulting from the hydrogenation process, which became a significant success backed by a strong advertising budget.

1921

International Corporation Status Achieved

By 1921, Procter & Gamble had become a major international corporation with a diversified line of products, reaching an annual advertising budget of $1 million.

1924

Start of Market Research

In 1924, D. Paul 'Doc' Smelser, a Ph.D. economist from Johns Hopkins University, joins the company and initiates deliberate, data-based market research with consumers, leading to improved consumer understanding and product development.

1930

Acquisition of Thomas Hedley Co.

Procter & Gamble acquired the Thomas Hedley Co. in 1930, marking its expansion into international markets and establishing its UK Headquarters at 'Hedley House' in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

1931

Debut of Brand Management System

In 1931, Procter & Gamble introduced a brand management system, which became a fixture at the company and was widely copied by other companies, signifying a major innovation in marketing strategy.

1932

P&G Sponsors Daytime Serials

From 1932 onward, Procter & Gamble was a significant sponsor of daytime serials, commonly known as soap operas.

1933

Introduction of Dreft as the First Household Synthetic Detergent

In 1933, Dreft was introduced as the first-ever household synthetic detergent, marking a significant milestone in the history of cleaning products. The introduction of Dreft paved the way for further research and development in the field of household cleaning products.

1939-09

P&G Supplies Candles and Soap to U.S. Government

During World War II, Procter & Gamble was a major supplier of candles and soap to the U.S. government for military purposes, including the development of synthetic fuels.

1941

Formal Response to Consumer Correspondence

Procter & Gamble becomes one of the first companies to formally respond to consumer correspondence in 1941. Over the years, it introduces free-phone numbers, email, and social media to connect with consumers, and in 2011, invents a listening solution to monitor consumer feedback in real-time.

1946

Introduction of Tide

In 1946, Procter & Gamble introduced Tide, a synthetic detergent that revolutionized the way people washed their clothes, becoming the number one laundry detergent backed by a substantial advertising budget.

1947

Introduction of Prell shampoo

In 1947, Procter & Gamble introduced Prell shampoo, expanding its product line into the personal care sector.

1949

Introduction of Joy liquid synthetic detergent

In 1949, Procter & Gamble introduced Joy, the first liquid synthetic detergent, as one of its products.

1950-01

P&G Acquires Folgers Coffee and Gillette

Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, Procter & Gamble expanded its product line by acquiring companies such as Folgers Coffee and Gillette.

1950-10

Introduction of Tide Laundry Detergent

In the 1950s, Procter & Gamble introduced Tide laundry detergent, which became a highly successful product.

1955

Introduction of Crest toothpaste with fluoride

In 1955, Procter & Gamble began selling Crest toothpaste, the first toothpaste to contain fluoride, marking a significant advancement in oral care products.

1956

Development of Pampers Disposable Diaper

A P&G researcher, while watching his grandchild, realizes the inconvenience of cloth diapers and leads the development of a more affordable disposable diaper, continuously advancing to cater to babies at every stage of development.

1957

Purchase of Charmin Paper Mills

In 1957, Procter & Gamble purchased Charmin Paper Mills, expanding its product range to include toilet paper and other paper products.

1958

Introduction of White Cloud Toilet Paper

In 1958, Procter & Gamble introduced White Cloud toilet paper, marking the company's full-scale entry into the paper-goods markets and showcasing a new drying process for wood pulp.

1960

American Dental Association Recognition of Crest

The American Dental Association recognizes Crest as effective against cavities, boosting the brand's credibility and solidifying its position in the market.

1961

Test-marketing of Pampers

In 1961, Procter & Gamble test-marketed Pampers, revolutionizing the diaper industry by introducing disposable diapers as a convenient alternative to cloth diapers.

1962

Diversity Programming

P&G initiates a diversity program for all employees two years before it becomes mandated by the U.S. government, providing training and support to grow leaders regardless of sex, race, or religious orientation.

1963

Acquisition of Folgers Brand

In 1963, Procter & Gamble entered the coffee market through the acquisition of the Folgers brand, expanding its food business.

1965

Procter & Gamble's Prime-time Serial

Procter & Gamble was the first company to produce and sponsor a prime-time serial, a 1965 spin-off of As the World Turns called Our Private World.

1968

Introduction of Pringles Potato Chips

Procter & Gamble introduced the stackable Pringles potato chips in 1968, which were shipped in resealable cans, further expanding its food business.

1969

Introduction of Bounce dryer sheets

P&G introduces Bounce dryer sheets as a new alternative to liquid fabric softeners, utilizing a new technology acquired from an inventor.

1972

Introduction of Bounce fabric softener sheets

In 1972, Procter & Gamble introduced Bounce fabric softener sheets, offering a convenient alternative for fabric softening.

1973

Introduction of Bounce Dryer Sheets

In 1973, P&G introduced Bounce dryer sheets as a solution to static cling in dryers, providing a fresh alternative to liquid fabric softeners.

1976

Introduction of Luvs Premium Brand

In 1976, Procter & Gamble added the premium brand Luvs, further expanding its product offerings in the disposable diaper market.

1976

Scott Cook joins Procter & Gamble

After graduating from Harvard in 1976, Scott Cook was hired by Procter & Gamble and placed in charge of the Crisco shortening brand.

1978

Dawn Wildlife Rescue

International Bird Rescue finds that Dawn dish soap is the most effective product for cleaning oil from feathers without causing harm, leading to P&G donating over 50,000 bottles to help more than 75,000 animals.

1980-09

Suspension of Rely Tampons

In September 1980, Procter & Gamble suspended further sales of Rely tampons due to a statistical link between the use of Rely and toxic shock syndrome (TSS), resulting in a $75 million write-off on the product.

1983

Invention of Sustainable Plastic Recycling Technology

A sustainable technology is invented by one of the scientists to recycle a type of plastic that was previously not recyclable, enabling the reduction of waste.

1985

Removal of Moon-and-Stars Logo

In 1985, Procter & Gamble removed its famous moon-and-stars logo from product packages due to persistent rumors linking it to Satanism.

1986

Invention of 2-in-1

Procter & Gamble researchers develop a formula that cleans, lathers, rinses, and conditions in one step, leading to the launch of the first '2-in-1' shampoo and conditioner on the market, and expanding the technology to other brands.

1988-09

Acquisition of Noxell Corporation

In September 1988, Procter & Gamble made its first move into the cosmetics business with the purchase of Noxell Corporation, maker of Noxema products and Cover Girl cosmetics.

1989

A new life for plastics

P&G starts using recycled plastic in packaging and develops sustainable technology to recycle a type of plastic that wasn’t previously recyclable, contributing to waste reduction.

1991-07

Acquisition of Max Factor and Betrix lines

In July 1991, P&G acquired the worldwide Max Factor and Betrix lines from Revlon, Inc. for $1.03 billion, expanding its presence in cosmetics and fragrances.

1992

Introduction of Pantene Pro-V

Pantene Pro-V was introduced in 1992 and quickly became the fastest growing shampoo in the world.

1993

Company sales surpass $30 billion

In 1993, P&G's company sales surpassed the $30 billion mark under the leadership of Chairman and CEO Edwin L. Artzt and President John E. Pepper.

1994

Procter & Gamble's Lawsuit Against Bankers Trust

In 1994, Procter & Gamble faced significant losses due to leveraged positions in interest rate derivatives, leading to a lawsuit against Bankers Trust for fraud. This legal action resulted in the company's management testifying in court about transactions they claimed they did not fully comprehend.

1995

Introduction of Actonel

Procter & Gamble introduced the osteoporosis drug Actonel as one of its pharmaceutical products.

1996

FDA Approval of Olestra

In 1996, the Food and Drug Administration approved Olestra, a new product developed by Procter & Gamble. Olestra, also known as 'Olean', is a lower-calorie substitute for fat in cooking potato chips and other snacks.

1997

Acquisition of Tambrands, Inc.

In July 1997, Procter & Gamble spent about $1.84 billion in cash to acquire Tambrands, Inc. and the Tampax line of tampons, solidifying its number one position worldwide in feminine products.

1999-06-30

Limitation of Animal Testing Practices by Procter & Gamble

On June 30, 1999, Procter & Gamble announced that it would limit its animal testing practices to its food and drug products, representing less than 20% of its product portfolio, after receiving criticism from animal advocacy group PETA.

2000

A.G. Lafley becomes President and CEO

In June 2000, A.G. Lafley took over as president and CEO of Procter & Gamble, focusing on shoring up its big core brands and slowing down the rush to get products to market.

2001-05-22

P&G Agrees to Pay $4.95 Billion for Bristol-Myers's Clairol Unit

On May 22, 2001, P&G reached an agreement to acquire Bristol-Myers's Clairol unit for $4.95 billion, according to the Wall Street Journal.

2002-05

Procter & Gamble Sells Jif and Crisco Brands

In May 2002, Procter & Gamble successfully pared back its food business by selling the Jif peanut butter and Crisco shortening brands to the J.M. Smucker Company in a deal valued at about $900 million.

2003-09

Procter & Gamble Acquires Wella AG

In September 2003, Procter & Gamble acquired a controlling interest in Wella AG for $6.27 billion, providing an entry into the salon market and bolstering its dental care line by acquiring the Glide brand of dental floss from W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

2004-04

Procter & Gamble Sells Sunny Delight and Punica Businesses

In April 2004, Procter & Gamble reached an agreement to sell its Sunny Delight and Punica drinks businesses to J.W. Childs Associates LP, further paring down its foods business.

2005-10-01

Merger of P&G and Gillette

The official merger of P&G and Gillette took place on October 1, 2005, solidifying their combined presence in the consumer goods industry.

2006-01

Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals and Sanofi-aventis US LLC file lawsuit against Roche Pharmaceuticals and Glaxosmithkline

In January 2006, Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals and Sanofi-aventis US LLC initiated legal action against Roche Pharmaceuticals and Glaxosmithkline. The lawsuit likely pertains to a dispute over pharmaceutical products or patents.

2007

Tide Dry Cleaners Launch

Tide Dry Cleaners launches in 2008, marking P&G's entry into the service industry. It quickly expands across the country, serving over 500,000 customers, processing over 3.4 million garments, and creating over 150 jobs in the first two years.

2008-01

Nabil Y. Sakkab becomes Senior Vice President at Procter & Gamble

In 2008, Nabil Y. Sakkab assumed the role of Senior Vice President for corporate research and development at Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati, Ohio.

2008-10

P&G Named One of Canada's Top 100 Employers

In October 2008, P&G was recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers by Mediacorp Canada Inc. and was featured in Maclean's newsmagazine.

2009-08-25

Sale of P&G's prescription-drug business to Warner Chilcott

On August 25, 2009, the Ireland-based pharmaceutical company Warner Chilcott announced the acquisition of P&G's prescription-drug business for $3.1 billion.

2010

Proud sponsor of mums campaign

In 2010, Procter & Gamble launched the 'Proud sponsor of mums' campaign, supporting global athletes and their mothers.

2011-03

Rajat Gupta Resigns from P&G Board

In March 2011, Rajat Gupta resigned from the P&G board following an SEC accusation of Galleon Group insider trading.

2011-04

P&G fined for price-fixing cartel

In April 2011, P&G was fined €211.2 million by the European Commission for establishing a price-fixing cartel for washing powder in Europe.

2011-05

Fortune Editor Praises P&G's Board Diversity

In May 2011, Fortune editor-at-large Patricia Sellers commended P&G's board diversity, highlighting that five of the company's 11 directors were female and had all been on Fortune's annual Most Powerful Women list.

2012

P&G major sponsor of Summer Olympics

Since 2012, Procter & Gamble has been a major sponsor of the Summer Olympics. It sponsored 150 athletes at the London games that year.

2013-05

Robert A. McDonald Announces Retirement and A.G. Lafley Becomes Chairman, President, and CEO

In May 2013, Robert A. McDonald announced his retirement, and A.G. Lafley replaced him as chairman, president, and CEO of P&G.

2013-10

P&G Named Fourth-Most In-Demand Employer in the World

In October 2013, P&G was named the fourth-most in-demand employer in the world based on analytic data sourced by LinkedIn.

2014-04

Sale of Iams pet food business to Mars, Inc.

In April 2014, P&G sold its Iams pet food business to Mars, Inc. for $2.9 billion, excluding the European market. The European Iams business was later sold to Spectrum Brands in December 2014.

2014-08

P&G Streamlining and Brand Restructuring

In August 2014, P&G announced a major restructuring by streamlining and dropping 100 brands to focus on 65 that generated over 95% of the company’s profits. They sold off 43 cosmetics brands to Coty, Duracell batteries to Berkshire Hathaway, and VapoSteam products. Additionally, they acquired Merck Group’s consumer health division, renaming it as Procter & Gamble Health Limited, which mainly operates in India.

2014-11

P&G Publicly Supports Same-Sex Marriage

In November 2014, P&G publicly expressed support for same-sex marriage in a statement made by William Gipson, P&G's chief global diversity officer.

2015-03

Divestiture of Vicks VapoSteam U.S. Liquid Inhalant Business

In March 2015, Procter & Gamble divested its Vicks VapoSteam U.S. liquid inhalant business to Helen of Troy as part of a brand-restructuring operation, marking the first health-related divestiture under this operation.

2015-07

Sale of 43 Beauty Brands to Coty

In July 2015, Procter & Gamble announced the sale of 43 of its beauty brands to Coty in a US$13 billion deal, citing sluggish growth of its beauty division as the reason for the divestiture. The sale was completed on October 3, 2016.

2015-11

P&G Named Careers in Africa Employer of Choice 2015

In November 2015, P&G was named the Careers in Africa Employer of Choice 2015 following a survey of over 13,000 African professionals from across the globe.

2016-02

Transfer of Duracell to Berkshire Hathaway

In February 2016, Procter & Gamble completed the transfer of Duracell to Berkshire Hathaway through an exchange of shares.

2017

P&G Recognized as Forbes World's Most Reputable Companies

In 2017, P&G was recognized as one of Forbes World's Most Reputable Companies.

2018-04

Ambition 2030

During Earth Week in 2018, Procter & Gamble announced new sustainability goals for 2030, aiming to create a positive impact on the environment while delivering value to consumers.

2018-11

Simplification of Corporate Structure

In November 2018, Procter & Gamble unveiled a simpler corporate structure with six business units that became effective from July 2019.

2018-12

Acquisition of Merck Group's Consumer Health Division

In December 2018, Procter & Gamble completed the acquisition of the consumer health division of Merck Group for €3.4 billion ($4.2 billion) and renamed it as Procter & Gamble Health Limited in May 2019.

2019-01-14

Gillette's 'The Best Men Can Be' Advertisement

Gillette released a controversial advertisement addressing negative behavior among men, including bullying, sexism, sexual misconduct, and toxic masculinity. The ad received significant backlash and led to calls for boycott of Gillette and Procter & Gamble.

2020-12-31

Total CO2e Emissions Reporting

Procter & Gamble reported Total CO2e emissions (Scope 1 and Scope 2) for the twelve months ending December 31, 2020, at 2,619 Kt (-1,441 /-35.5% y-o-y).

2021-01-01

Amy Chang becomes a Director of Procter & Gamble

In 2021, Amy Chang became a Director of Procter & Gamble, serving on the Board of Directors.

2021-06-30

Vanguard Group, Inc. becomes the largest institutional shareholder of Procter & Gamble

As of June 30th, 2021, Vanguard Group, Inc. holds the largest number of shares in Procter & Gamble, according to the company's latest proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

2022

P&G Advertising Investment

P&G invests billions of dollars annually in advertising and marketing campaigns to enhance brand recognition and boost sales. The company also partners with influencers and celebrities to extend its product reach to new consumer segments.

2023

Optimization of Product Offering

In 2023, Procter & Gamble began optimizing its product offering by planning to eliminate the bottom 25% of SKUs, which contribute very little to absolute retail sales.

2024-02-06

Procter & Gamble Co. stock underperforms on Tuesday

On February 6, 2024, Procter & Gamble Co. stock did not perform well compared to its competitors despite daily gains on a Tuesday.

2024-02-08

Procter & Gamble Co. stock outperforms despite losses

On February 8, 2024, Procter & Gamble Co. stock outperformed its competitors despite experiencing losses on that day.

2024-02-10

Procter & Gamble Co. stock underperforms on Friday

On February 10, 2024, Procter & Gamble Co. stock did not perform well compared to its competitors on a Friday.

2024-02-17

Procter & Gamble Co. stock outperforms competitors

On February 17, 2024, Procter & Gamble Co. stock showed strong performance compared to its competitors on a positive trading day.