Colman's
Encyclopedia
Colman's is a UK
manufacturer of mustard
and various other sauces, based at Carrow, in Norwich
, Norfolk
. Presently an operational division of the multinational Unilever
company, Colman's is one of the oldest existing food brand
s, famous for a limited range of products, almost all varieties of mustard.
began making mustard at a water mill near Norwich in the village of Bawburgh
. Experimenting to create a tangy flavour, it comes from a blend of brown mustard (Brassica juncea
) and white mustard (Sinapis alba).
Jeremiah founded Colman's of Norwich in 1814, at the Stoke Holy Cross
mill on the River Tas
, four miles south of Norwich. In 1823 he took his adopted nephew, James, into the business which became J. & J. Colman.
In 1851 J.J. Colman
took over the business. 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 today.
From 1855 the firm introduced its distinctive yellow packaging and bull's head logo, and in 1866 was granted the Royal Warrant
as manufacturers of mustard to Queen Victoria
. Her Majesty’s household still uses Colman’s today.
The Colman family's pioneering achievements in social welfare are part of Norwich's history. In 1857 a school was opened for the employees' children, while in 1864 the firm employed a nurse to help sick members of staff - a social revolution at the time.
From 1896 Sir Jeremiah Colman
became Chairman: in 1903, under his leadership, the firm took over rival mustard maker Keen Robinson & Company
(makers of Keen's Mustard), through which it also acquired the Robinsons
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
).
From 1997 to 2001, Colman's were the main sponsors of Norwich City F.C.
.
The Colman's part of the business was demerged in 1995 and Colman's became part of Unilever
UK Ltd. As well as mustard, it applies its name to condiments, sauces and other foodstuffs.
Colman's is one of the British icon brands sold around the world through network of distributors managed by Unilever's own export department based in Leatherhead, UK. (Unilever UK & Ireland Export)
Colman's maintains links with Norwich. The founding family are commemorated in street-names such as Colman Road (part of the A140 inner ring road), on which is situated Colman's First and Middle Schools.
In addition, the Colman House residence at the University of East Anglia
is named after the company and Jeremiah Colman.
, offering exclusive Colman's products to local customers and visitors to the city. The shop was originally opened in Bridewell Alley, to mark the 150th anniversary of Jeremiah Colman taking his nephew James into partnership, and has since become "one of the city's most popular heritage attractions, cherished by local people and visitors alike."
In 1999, the shop was relocated to Norwich's art nouveau
Royal Arcade, where it has stayed since. The shop in the Royal Arcade is a careful replica of a Victorian era
trade premises, and features displays illustrating the history of mustard
production in the city, as well as classic Colman's advertisements and memorabilia.
Less than a decade after opening here however, following a review of its future, owners Unilever
UK & Ireland decided to cease trading at the shop. Its future was saved by Norwich Heritage Economic & Regeneration Trust (HEART) in 2009, when they took it over as a retail operation and tourism
attraction.
Since taking it over, Norwich HEART have rebranded the shop as Colman's Mustard Shop & Museum, adding emphasis to the museum element that champions the region's industrial heritage, and has launched a brand new e-commerce online shop. The Royal Arcade shop now features many more exclusive stock items, including innovative products like locally produced Colman's Mustard soaps, foot soaks and bath salts; a range of gift boxes; mugs and signs depicting old advertising posters; a larger selection of mustard pots; locally produced chutneys, pickles, dressings and oils; and a wide range of Colman's mustards exclusively sold in the shop and online. It also now benefits from longer opening hours, participates in heritage
activities and runs its own calendar of events.
worked on their account and media slogans such as "Come on Colman's, light my fire" appeared in the late 20th century. Sayers was employed by S. H. Benson, her collaboration with artist John Gilroy resulted in "The Mustard Club" for Colman's Mustard.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
manufacturer of mustard
Mustard (condiment)
Mustard is a condiment made from the seeds of a mustard plant...
and various other sauces, based at Carrow, in Norwich
Norwich
Norwich is a city in England. It is the regional administrative centre and county town of Norfolk. During the 11th century, Norwich was the largest city in England after London, and one of the most important places in the kingdom...
, Norfolk
Norfolk
Norfolk is a low-lying county in the East of England. It has borders with Lincolnshire to the west, Cambridgeshire to the west and southwest and Suffolk to the south. Its northern and eastern boundaries are the North Sea coast and to the north-west the county is bordered by The Wash. The county...
. Presently an operational division of the multinational Unilever
Unilever
Unilever is a British-Dutch multinational corporation that owns many of the world's consumer product brands in foods, beverages, cleaning agents and personal care products....
company, Colman's is one of the oldest existing food brand
Brand
The American Marketing Association defines a brand as a "Name, term, design, symbol, or any other feature that identifies one seller's good or service as distinct from those of other sellers."...
s, famous for a limited range of products, almost all varieties of mustard.
History
Jeremiah ColmanJeremiah Colman
Jeremiah Colman was an English miller who founded Colman's Mustard, a business that emerged as Reckitt Benckiser.-Career:Born in Norfolk in 1777 and a miller by training, Jeremiah Colman managed a mill at Bawburgh before buying his own mill at Pockthorpe in 1803...
began making mustard at a water mill near Norwich in the village of Bawburgh
Bawburgh
Bawburgh is a village and civil parish in the South Norfolk district of Norfolk, England, lying in the valley of the River Yare about west of Norwich city centre. According to the 2001 census it had a population of 466...
. Experimenting to create a tangy flavour, it comes from a blend of brown mustard (Brassica juncea
Brassica juncea
Brassica juncea, also known as mustard greens, Indian mustard, Chinese mustard, and leaf mustard, is a species of mustard plant. Subvarieties include southern giant curled mustard, which resembles a headless cabbage such as kale, but with a distinct horseradish-mustard flavor...
) and white mustard (Sinapis alba).
Jeremiah founded Colman's of Norwich in 1814, at the Stoke Holy Cross
Stoke Holy Cross
Stoke Holy Cross is a village in South Norfolk which lies approximately 4 miles south of Norwich.-Geography:It sits on the River Tas. It covers an area of and had a population of 1,568 in 674 households as of the 2001 census....
mill on the River Tas
River Tas
The River Tas is a river which flows northwards through South Norfolk in England - towards Norwich. The area is named the Tas Valley after the river. The origin of the name of the river is uncertain - it may have taken it from the village of Tasburgh or vice versa.Tributaries which have their...
, four miles south of Norwich. In 1823 he took his adopted nephew, James, into the business which became J. & J. Colman.
In 1851 J.J. Colman
Jeremiah James Colman
Jeremiah James Colman was an English mustard manufacturer and the third member of the family in charge of the eponymous company Colman's...
took over the business. 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 today.
From 1855 the firm introduced its distinctive yellow packaging and bull's head logo, and in 1866 was granted the Royal Warrant
Royal Warrant
Royal warrants of appointment have been issued for centuries to those who supply goods or services to a royal court or certain royal personages. The warrant enables the supplier to advertise the fact that they supply to the royal family, so lending prestige to the supplier...
as manufacturers of mustard to Queen Victoria
Victoria of the United Kingdom
Victoria was the monarch of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until her death. From 1 May 1876, she used the additional title of Empress of India....
. Her Majesty’s household still uses Colman’s today.
The Colman family's pioneering achievements in social welfare are part of Norwich's history. In 1857 a school was opened for the employees' children, while in 1864 the firm employed a nurse to help sick members of staff - a social revolution at the time.
From 1896 Sir Jeremiah Colman
Sir Jeremiah Colman, 1st Baronet
Sir Jeremiah Colman, 1st Baronet was a well-known industrialist who developed Colman's Mustard into an international concern.-Career:...
became Chairman: in 1903, under his leadership, the firm took over rival mustard maker Keen Robinson & Company
Keen's
- Introduction :The KEEN'S Mustard Powder and KEEN'S Traditional Curry Powder are flavouring products produced in Australia. The KEEN’s brand has become a household name in Australia where it has enjoyed an iconic status for several decades...
(makers of Keen's Mustard), through which it also acquired the Robinsons
Robinsons (soft drink)
Robinsons is a British soft drink brand owned by Britvic. Robinsons has a royal warrant from Queen Elizabeth II and was an independent company until 1995 when it was acquired by Britvic. The Robinsons range includes Fruit Shoot, Fruit Squash, No Added Sugar Fruit Squash, Fruit & Barley, Barley...
Lemon Barley Water
Barley water
Barley water, usually flavoured with lemon or other fruit, is a traditional British soft drink. It is made by boiling washed pearl barley, straining, then pouring the hot water over the rind and/or pulp of the fruit, and adding fruit juice and sugar to taste. The rind may also be boiled with the...
brand and baby food business. In 1938 it merged with Reckitts to form the Reckitt & Colman household products conglomerate (now Reckitt Benckiser
Reckitt Benckiser
Reckitt Benckiser plc is a global consumer goods company headquartered in Slough, United Kingdom. It is the world's largest producer of household products and a major producer of consumer healthcare and personal products...
).
From 1997 to 2001, Colman's were the main sponsors of Norwich City F.C.
Norwich City F.C.
Norwich City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Norwich, Norfolk. As of the 2011–12 season, Norwich City are again playing in the Premier League after a six-year absence, having finished as runner up in the Championship in 2010–11 and winning automatic promotion.The...
.
The Colman's part of the business was demerged in 1995 and Colman's became part of Unilever
Unilever
Unilever is a British-Dutch multinational corporation that owns many of the world's consumer product brands in foods, beverages, cleaning agents and personal care products....
UK Ltd. As well as mustard, it applies its name to condiments, sauces and other foodstuffs.
Colman's is one of the British icon brands sold around the world through network of distributors managed by Unilever's own export department based in Leatherhead, UK. (Unilever UK & Ireland Export)
Colman's maintains links with Norwich. The founding family are commemorated in street-names such as Colman Road (part of the A140 inner ring road), on which is situated Colman's First and Middle Schools.
In addition, the Colman House residence at the University of East Anglia
University of East Anglia
The University of East Anglia is a public research university based in Norwich, United Kingdom. It was established in 1963, and is a founder-member of the 1994 Group of research-intensive universities.-History:...
is named after the company and Jeremiah Colman.
Colman's Mustard Shop & Museum
Since 1973, The Mustard Shop has been trading in NorwichNorwich
Norwich is a city in England. It is the regional administrative centre and county town of Norfolk. During the 11th century, Norwich was the largest city in England after London, and one of the most important places in the kingdom...
, offering exclusive Colman's products to local customers and visitors to the city. The shop was originally opened in Bridewell Alley, to mark the 150th anniversary of Jeremiah Colman taking his nephew James into partnership, and has since become "one of the city's most popular heritage attractions, cherished by local people and visitors alike."
In 1999, the shop was relocated to Norwich's art nouveau
Art Nouveau
Art Nouveau is an international philosophy and style of art, architecture and applied art—especially the decorative arts—that were most popular during 1890–1910. The name "Art Nouveau" is French for "new art"...
Royal Arcade, where it has stayed since. The shop in the Royal Arcade is a careful replica of a Victorian era
Victorian era
The Victorian era of British history was the period of Queen Victoria's reign from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. It was a long period of peace, prosperity, refined sensibilities and national self-confidence...
trade premises, and features displays illustrating the history of mustard
Mustard (condiment)
Mustard is a condiment made from the seeds of a mustard plant...
production in the city, as well as classic Colman's advertisements and memorabilia.
Less than a decade after opening here however, following a review of its future, owners Unilever
Unilever
Unilever is a British-Dutch multinational corporation that owns many of the world's consumer product brands in foods, beverages, cleaning agents and personal care products....
UK & Ireland decided to cease trading at the shop. Its future was saved by Norwich Heritage Economic & Regeneration Trust (HEART) in 2009, when they took it over as a retail operation and tourism
Tourism
Tourism is travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes. The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people "traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes".Tourism has become a...
attraction.
Since taking it over, Norwich HEART have rebranded the shop as Colman's Mustard Shop & Museum, adding emphasis to the museum element that champions the region's industrial heritage, and has launched a brand new e-commerce online shop. The Royal Arcade shop now features many more exclusive stock items, including innovative products like locally produced Colman's Mustard soaps, foot soaks and bath salts; a range of gift boxes; mugs and signs depicting old advertising posters; a larger selection of mustard pots; locally produced chutneys, pickles, dressings and oils; and a wide range of Colman's mustards exclusively sold in the shop and online. It also now benefits from longer opening hours, participates in heritage
Cultural heritage
Cultural heritage is the legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society that are inherited from past generations, maintained in the present and bestowed for the benefit of future generations...
activities and runs its own calendar of events.
Publicity
In the 1920s Dorothy L. SayersDorothy L. Sayers
Dorothy Leigh Sayers was a renowned English crime writer, poet, playwright, essayist, translator and Christian humanist. She was also a student of classical and modern languages...
worked on their account and media slogans such as "Come on Colman's, light my fire" appeared in the late 20th century. Sayers was employed by S. H. Benson, her collaboration with artist John Gilroy resulted in "The Mustard Club" for Colman's Mustard.
Product range (21st century)
- Colman's English Mustard 50g
- Colman's English Mustard 100g
- Colman's English Mustard 170g
- Colman's English Mustard Squeeze 150g
- Colman's Hot Honey Mustard
- Colman's Mustard Powder
- Colman's Wholegrain mustard 150ml
- Colman's Dijon mustard 150ml
- Colman's Mild Mustard
- Colman's Condiments
- Colman's Pour overs
- Colman's Dry Sauces
- Colman's Special Sauces
- Colman's Mustard Shop & Museum's Exclusive mustards