Few photographs of him survive. Most are black and white portraits dating from the late 19th century. They depict a stoic but amusing Julius Maggi, in his forties, looking into the camera, wearing a dark jacket, lined with a white shirt, and adorned with a light-colored tie. His face features wire-frame glasses and a thick mustache. Today, he is considered the father of instant soups, a market segment that in 2024 moved €9.2 billion worldwide and is expected to grow 4% until 2031, according to calculations by the consulting firm Reanin. He is also the founder of one of Nestlé's flagship brands: Maggi. While the Swiss multinational does not break down revenue by brand, the noodles and instant soups (in powder and tablets), mashed potatoes, and condiments it sells are a classic part of its product catalog. But who was Julius Maggi, and how did he build this empire?