Colman's is a UK manufacturer of mustard, based in Norwich, Norfolk. Colman's of Norwich was founded in 1814 and is one of the oldest existing food brands. Colman's is now owned by Unilever.
The J & J Colman company was started in 1814 by Jeremiah Colman, at Stoke Mill water mill on the River Tas at Stoke Holy Cross, four miles south of Norwich. By 1865 production had transferred to a large factory at Carrow on land bought from the Norfolk Railway Company to the south of Norwich, where the firm still operates.
From 1855 the firm introduced its distinctive yellow packaging and bull's head logo, and in 1866 was granted the Royal Warrant as manufacturers to Queen Victoria, which it still retains.
In 1903 the firm took over rival mustard maker Keen Robinson & Company, through which it also acquired the Robinson's Lemon Barley Water brand and baby food business. In 1938 it merged with Reckitts to form the Reckitt & Colman household products conglomerate (now Reckitt Benckiser ).
The Colman's part of the business was demerged in 1995 and Colman's became part of Unilever Bestfoods UK. As well as mustard, it applies its name to condiments, sauces and other foodstuffs.
Colman's operates the "Mustard Shop" at 15 Royal Arcade in central Norwich – a museum, tourist attraction and marketing outlet. The company formerly maintained a large collection of antique silver mustard pots.
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Last updated: 05-22-2005 04:14:12
