Today, the world's largest and most renowned companies are identified by their innovative and technologically advanced products. But did you know what their first product launches were?
First product: While the world's biggest companies are now recognized for their cutting-edge technology and sophisticated products, their beginnings were surprisingly unique. Many giants now shining in electronics, mobile phones, automobiles, and fashion started in completely different fields.
For example, South Korean company LG, now known for TVs, smartphones, and home appliances, began in 1947 producing facial cream and soap. At that time, LG was called 'Lak-Hui,' and the company manufactured beauty and skincare products.
LG: From Facial Cream to Electronics
The South Korean technology company LG, known today for TVs, refrigerators, air conditioners, and mobile devices, started its business with facial cream. LG's first product was 'facial cream,' marketed as a skincare product. Today, LG is considered among the world's top electronics brands, but its origins in a beauty product surprise many.
Sony: From Rice Cooker to Global Electronics Giant
Sony, the Japanese company known for TVs, cameras, gaming consoles, and home theaters, created a ‘rice cooker’ as its first product. This was their initial foray into the world of electronics. Subsequently, Sony established itself as a leading global electronics company through technological innovation.
Nokia: From Toilet Paper Manufacturer to Mobile Giant
Nokia is a name synonymous with mobile phones, but the company began as a toilet paper manufacturer. This Finnish company later ventured into the telecom sector and revolutionized the mobile phone market. Even today, Nokia remains associated with mobile phones, but few know its unusual beginnings.
Lamborghini: From Tractors to Luxury Cars
The famous Italian luxury car company Lamborghini is renowned for its sports cars, but it started by manufacturing tractors. After initial ventures into furniture and agricultural machinery, Lamborghini established its identity as a luxury sports car manufacturer.
Samsung: From Grocery Store to Electronics Tycoon
Samsung, a South Korean company famous today for smartphones, TVs, and various electronics, began as a small grocery store selling everyday necessities. Over time, Samsung transformed its business model and ventured into the world of technology.
IKEA: From Pens to Furniture Megastore
The Swedish furniture company IKEA started on a small scale, manufacturing pens. IKEA later focused on furniture manufacturing and is now one of the world's largest furniture retailers.
Coca-Cola: From Syrup to World-Famous Beverage
Coca-Cola began as a medicine used to treat ailments like coughs and headaches. Gradually, this medicine became a popular cold drink and is now one of the world's best-selling soft drinks.
Tiffany & Co.: From Stationery to Jewelry
The famous jewelry brand Tiffany & Co.'s first products were stationery items. The company began by selling writing and reading materials and later started creating high-quality jewelry.
Other Companies' Unique Beginnings
- Nintendo: Today a gaming giant, Nintendo initially made card games.
- Nike: The world-famous sports shoe company Nike began by manufacturing track shoes.
- BMW: The German auto company BMW started by producing aircraft engines.
- Toyota: The Japanese company Toyota started its business with automatic looms, machines used for making cloth.
- Honda: Honda began by creating auxiliary engines for bicycles.
