Starting in 1935 with the chemical synthesis of
vitamin C, a process invented by Dr. Tadeusz Reichstein, of the Swiss
Institute of Technology in Zurich, Roche gradually added other synthesized
vitamins to its range. Today it sells the full palette of fat-soluble and
water-soluble vitamins.
In 1956, Roche began producing
carotenoids with the first synthesis of
beta-carotene, and over the years followed up with
apocarotenal, apo-ester,
canthaxanthin, astaxanthin,
lycopene, zeaxanthin and
lutein.
Apart from vitamins and carotenoids, Roche Vitamins, which became a Division
of Roche in 1979, moved into other products of significance to the
food, pharmaceutical, feed or cosmetic industries, such as
medicinal feed additives (1970),
citric acid (1977), amino acids
(1979), polyunsaturated fatty acids
(1988), feed enzymes (
1990), and cosmetic ingredients
such as sunscreens and
emulsifiers (1996).
Through heavy capital investment in the 70s, diversification in the 80s, and
acquisition and further market penetration in the 90s, the Division continued
to secure its market leadership.
On 1 October 2003, the Roche Vitamins and Fine Chemicals Division
became DSM Nutritional Products.
Below: Otto Isler (left), who did pioneer work for Roche on the synthesis of
vitamins A, E and
K, in his lab with his assistant Gody Ryser.
