Tate & Lyle’s decision to sell its European sugar operations included Lyle’s Golden Syrup – purported to be the world’s oldest food brand. Here just-food takes a look at some more iconic UK food brands.
Marmite – One of the great UK discussions is whether you love it or hate it. Owned by consumer goods giant Unilever, Marmite is made from yeast extract, a by-product of beer brewing. The product is a sticky, dark brown paste with a distinctive, powerful flavour, which is extremely salty and savoury. It was first developed in the UK in 1902 and supplied in earthenware pots, but since the 1920s has been sold in glass jars. A thinner version in squeezable plastic jars was introduced in March 2006.
HP Sauce – No self-respecting full English breakfast or bacon sandwich is seen without it. HP Sauce has graced UK tables since the late 19th century with the slim bottle and distinctive label featuring the Houses of Parliament now a British icon. HP sauce contains malt vinegar, spices and tomato, with the recipe said to be a well-kept secret. Unfortunately, brand owner HJ Heinz closed the HP Sauce factory in Birmingham in 2006 and moved production to the Netherlands.
Colmans Mustard – The world-famous brand was founded in Norwich over 180 years ago, making it the oldest name in Unilever’s portfolio. In 1814, Jeremiah Colman first advertised his mustard in the Norwich Chronicle. In 1866 the distinctive red and yellow livery was introduced to the label. That same year, the ultimate seal of approval came when the company was granted the Royal Warrant as manufacturers to Queen Victoria. The Warrant can still be seen on all Colman’s products today.
Birds Custard Powder – The Bird’s brand, symbolised by the distinctive ‘three bird’ logo since 1929, was acquired by Premier Foods in 2005. Its best-known product is Bird’s Custard – the ‘original homemade’ custard powder. It was invented by Alfred Bird in 1837 because his wife was allergic to eggs. Bird’s uses cornflour mixed with milk to form its thick custardy sauce. The famous ‘Three Bird’ logo was introduced in 1929, and the company was one of the first to use promotional items, many of which are still avidly collected today. Bird’s is synonymous with custard in the UK.
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Golden Syrup – Golden Syrup was invented in 1883 by Scottish businessman Abram Lyle, when he discovered that a byproduct of the sugar cane refined at his factory in Plaistow, east London, could be made into a delicious spread and sweetener for cooking. First sold to Lyle’s employees and local customers in wooden casks, the iconic green and gold tins that Lyle’s golden syrup is sold in today were introduced in 1885. The tin bears a picture of the rotting carcass of a lion with a swarm of bees, and the slogan “Out of the strong came forth sweetness”. In 1921 Lyle’s business merged with Tate to become Tate & Lyle. This week however, the company sold its European sugar operations, including the Lyle’s Golden Syrup brand.
Oxo – The original name of Oxo is unknown when the product was first developed in 1840. Professor Liebig invented the extract of beef to make the goodness of meat affordable to the poor. Many doctors saw it as an aid to health and strength and it is said to have received praise from Florence Nightingale. No self-respecting chef will give kitchen space to an Oxo cube. But, the foil wrapped cubes of beef stock in their distinctive red and white box are an iconic British brand and over two million are still sold every day in the UK. It became popular in the post-war years of rationing when meat was still in short supply and the tiny cube gave a kick start to many meat dishes and produced a half-decent gravy. Oxo products are manufactured by Premier Foods.
