Crosse & Blackwell
Crosse & Blackwell is a renowned British food brand with a history spanning over three centuries. The company was founded in London, England, in 1706, starting as a small grocery store called Jackson's. Today, Rimping Supermarket invites you to explore the long journey of this legendary food brand.
From a Small Grocery Shop to Crosse & Blackwell (1706-1830 AD)
Initially, Jackson's focused on selling spices and seasonings. However, in 1830, the grocery shop was acquired by Edmund Crosse and Thomas Blackwell. The pair then renamed the business Crosse & Blackwell, after their surnames.
A Golden Age of Innovation and Quality (1830s - 1840s)
Under the management of Crosse & Blackwell, the company quickly gained a reputation for high-quality products. They introduced several innovations and a wide range of new products, such as sauces, candied fruits, canned foods, and pickles. They sourced quality recipes from renowned London chefs, achieving great success and becoming one of Britain's leading food brands.
Just one year into their operation, the company was granted a Royal Warrant by King William IV as a purveyor of fine foods to the Royal Family. This prestigious recognition significantly boosted the brand's image.
Furthermore, another crucial factor contributing to their rapid success was their emphasis on quality. In an era where food adulteration was rampant, they built trust by being among the first companies to use glass bottles for packaging food. This allowed customers to see the quality of the product inside before making a purchase.
In 1839, the company moved its production base to a larger facility in Soho Square, London. This allowed them to increase production volume. More significantly, in 1841, Crosse & Blackwell became the first company in the world to mass-produce jam. This breakthrough made jam, once a luxury item for the wealthy, more accessible to the general public.
Product Expansion and Global Reach (Early 19th Century - Late 19th Century)
By the early 19th century, Crosse & Blackwell continuously expanded its product line, introducing new items such as soups, jams, marmalades, ketchup, chili sauce, mustard, canned meats, and other canned foods to meet changing consumer tastes. They also acquired numerous businesses, including E. Lazenby & Son Ltd and James Keiller & Sons Ltd, both jam manufacturers.
By the late 19th century, Crosse & Blackwell exported its products to various regions across Europe, North America, and South Africa. They gained popularity, becoming one of the world's leading food brands with subsidiaries in several countries and over 40 factories worldwide.
Changes in Ownership and a Sustainable Future (20th Century - Present)
During the 20th century, Crosse & Blackwell underwent several changes in ownership. In 1960, Nestlé acquired the company. Then, in 2002, Princes Group acquired the UK operations, while in 2012, J.M. Smucker acquired the US operations, and in 2017, Tiger Brands acquired the South African operations.
Despite numerous changes, each transition brought new opportunities for growth and expansion. Today, Crosse & Blackwell is a global brand with products sold in over 50 countries worldwide. The company continues to develop new products to cater to diverse consumer tastes, such as Branston Pickle, Rowntree's jelly, Sun-Pat peanut butter, and Sarson's vinegar.
Crosse & Blackwell stands as a testament to a brand's ability to adapt and maintain quality for over three centuries.
You can find a variety of Crosse & Blackwell products at all Rimping Supermarket branches!
