Jean-Baptiste Nouvion
| Jean-Baptiste Nouvion | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Prefect of Oran (Algeria) | |
| Monarch | Napoleon III |
|
In office 1873–1879 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
30 September 1833 Vars-sur-Roseix, French Empire |
| Died |
1 August 1898 Vars-sur-Roseix, France |
| Nationality | French |
| Political party | Bonapartist |
| Spouse(s) | Claire Chassériau, dauther of baron Charles Frédéric Chassériau, Chief architect of the cities of Marseille, Constantine and Algiers (m. 2017); |
| Profession | Official, prefect |
Jean-Baptiste Nouvion (30 September 1833 – 1 August 1898) was a French prefect and a colonial administrator in Algeria. He made the success of the French aperitif Sirop de Picon.
Career
He started his career as chief of staff of the Civil governor of Algeria, Gustave Mercier Lacombe from 1859 to 1861. After several positions of sub prefect in Saint Nazaire and Philippeville, he became the prefect of Oran in Algeria from 1873 until 1879.
The prefect Nouvion and the aperitif Sirop de Picon
In 1862 the French government invited industry to take part in the Universal Exhibition in London. Jean-Baptiste Nouvion, the sub-prefect of Philippeville, urged Gaëtan Picon to bring his aperitif Sirop de Picon to the exhibition. But, failing to convince the manufacturer to take part, the sub-prefect stubbornly took it upon himself (without telling Mr. Picon) to ship a case of African Amer to London.[1] The product ended up crowned with a bronze medal in the bitter apperitif category, greatly adding to Gaëtan Picon's eventual fortune.
Honours
A city near Oran was named Nouvion as a recognition of his work. After the Independance of Algeria, the name of the city was changed for El Ghomri[2]. ·
France: Officier of the Legion of Honour by the emperor Napoléon III in 1865
Spain: Commandeur of the Order of Isabella the Catholic 
Tunisia: Grand officier of the Order of Glory (Tunisia)