Peter Möller – the man behind the golden oil
Thanks to his determination and belief in the power of cod liver oil, today we can thank pharmacist Peter Möller for bringing this life-enhancing oil to people all over the world.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
a
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
d
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Timeline
230 ad
Oils from cod livers are produced for local consumption and as bartering and trading commodities in the north of Norway.
1100
The importance of cod fishing and processing in Lofoten leads to the development of Vágar, the first medieval town in Northern Norway.
1600's
Italian physician Gaspare Aselli, inspired by the ancient Norseman diet, introduces the oleum jecoris aselli, or cod liver oil, which is still used today and appears in the modern European Pharmacopoeia.
1789
The first notes on cod liver oil used for medicinal purposes are made in Manchester when a Dr. Darbey uses cod liver oil as a remedy for rheumatism.
1841
British physician John Hughes Bennett publishes A Treatise on Cod-liver Oil as a Therapeutic agent.
1854
A major technological breakthrough in the production of cod liver oil occurs when Norwegian pharmacist Peter Joachim Møller invents a steaming method to extract the oil.
1854
Möller establishes three cod liver oil manufacturing plants in Lofoten. During the first year, they produce 20 tons of cod liver oil. England is the first major international market for this oil.
1860's
Möller's steamed medicinal cod liver oil wins several awards and receives 29 medals at various trade fairs in cities in America and England.
1869
Peter Möller dies. There are now 70 cod liver oil manufacturers using his steam method. A total of 5 000 tons of cod liver oil is produced annually at these plants. Möller’s sales office in London run a global marketing operation, leading to a major increase in exports over the next 50 years.
1870
The company starts selling its products in the USA.
1881
Peter Möller's son, Frantz Peckel Möller takes over management of the Peter Möller company. By combining a solid scientific education with a sense of great opportunity, he ensures that Möller’s ranks highest on world markets.
1895
In London the scientific lifework of Frantz Peckel Möller, entitled “Cod liver oil and Chemistry”, is published. The work, in English, numbers 600 pages.
1903
Möller’s successors sell the company to the Møystad family. On the 26th of March, the company Peter Möller A/S is created.
1925
Fred T. Møystad buys Heiner Meyer, a company producing cod liver oil and transfers production to new facilities at Stensgaten 40 in Oslo. New green bottles are introduced.
1930's
Both doctors and national health authorities in Europe and elsewhere emphasize the importance of cod liver oil in the daily diet.
1938
The factory at Løren in Oslo, which still stands today, is built. Money is invested into new facilities for veterinary cod liver oil, and the refining and bottling of medicinal cod liver oil.
1940
The outbreak of the Second World War causes a drastic drop in exports, but the significance of cod liver oil as a dietary supplement is underlined. Domestic sales increase significantly.
1945
In the post-war period, medicinal cod liver oil maintains its high status as an important supplement, essential during Norway’s “reconstruction”. Cod liver oil becomes an “emergency product” in areas most damaged during the war. In Norway cod liver oil is still used in a campaign to provide meals to schoolchildren.
1990
Peter Möller A/S merges with Orkla Borregaard A/S (currently ORKLA).
2004
150 years!
2020
Today ORKLA ASA, the manufacturer of Möller's products, is still driven by Peter Möller's vision of improving people’s health through correct nutrition and accurate information. It’s not surprising then that our Möller’s products exceed international standards on other similar products in terms of quality.
The iconic green bottle
The Möller’s iconic green bottles haven’t changed much since the company’s founder Peter Möller was the only person allowed to fill them as an assurance of the quality of their contents.
Lofoten - a special place throughout history
Ever since the first people came to Lofoten over 7 000 years ago, they have caught the Northeast Arctic cod, famous all over Europe since at least 860. It’s no wonder its fisheries are such an important part of this region’s history.
Bringing people together in trying times
Bringing people together in trying times
Since the post-war period, when cod liver oil was an important supplement in the wake of food rationing, Möller’s has played a part in the history of Norway and other European countries – during good times and bad.
Related articles
Get inspiration on Instagram
Follow us on Instagram
mollersglobal
mollersglobal
mollersglobal
mollersglobal
mollersglobal
mollersglobal