Daniel Peter was born on 9.3.1836 in Moudon in the canton of Vaud into the burgeoise family of Lavey-Morcles.
His ancestors came from Alsace and, like many Protestants, emigrated to Switzerland in the 17th century. Daniel was the yungest child in a family of small traders. His father, a butcher, was not in a position to allow him to pursue higher education, despite his intelligence and multiple talents he had shown from a very young age.
Daniel begins his apprenticeship in 1852 in Vevey, in the grocery shop of the widow Clément.
She also owns her own candle factory. Daniel is fascinated by production and engages intensively with the related issues. Autodidact throughout his life, he begins at this time to acquire valuable knowledge for his entrepreneurial future.
In 1865 Daniel realised his dream of becoming independent.
He takes over the store and the candle factory together with his brother Julien under the patronage of the widow Clément. They founded their first company under the name ‘Frères Peter’.
Fanny Cailler and Daniel marry on 1 October 1863 in Vevey.
She is the eldest daughter of an entrepreneur, François-Louis Cailler, the founder of the oldest still-existing chocolate brand in Switzerland. Fanny therefore fully understood her husband's ambition and supports him actively throught his life in his entrepreneurial endeavours.
Fanny and Daniel Peter have five daughters and one son, who are also involved in the family business.
Daniel Peter's life is an exciting story with many chapters. The common thread that runs through this story is his family - the company 'Peter' always remains a family business. In the early years, he shares the management with his brother. Fanny and the daughters were also involved. Their son, François, was sent on a mission as a sales representative to conquer new markets for their chocolate."
Daniel remains thirsty for knowledge throughout his life as an autodidact.
He reads a lot of specialised literature and studies at night, after hard day's work, to keep himself informed about the latest developments in chemistry, physics and engineering and uses this knowledge for his company and his research. He is a passionate music lover, has been playing the flute since childhood and is a co-founder of the choir in Vevey. Daniel Peter still finds time to engage politically as municipal councillor of Vevey for several years.
