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Rose's (marmalade) facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Rose's is a brand of marmalade that is popular in the UK. Many people enjoy it on buttered toast for breakfast. It is made by a company called Hain Celestial Group.

The Story of Rose's

The grave of Lachlan Rose, Rosebank Cemetery
The grave of Lauchlan Rose, who started Rose's.

The company began in 1865 as L. Rose & Co. Limited. It was started by a man named Lauchlan Rose (1829–1885). He was very clever! In the 1860s, he started bringing lime juice from the West Indies, especially from an island called Dominica.

Lauchlan Rose used this lime juice to create Rose's lime juice cordial. This was a big deal because it was the world's first concentrated food drink. It was also very important for health. Back then, sailors often got a terrible disease called scurvy because they didn't get enough Vitamin C. Lime juice helped to prevent scurvy, saving many lives!

Lauchlan Rose passed away on May 9, 1885. His grandson, also named Lauchlan Rose, later served in the First World War. Because of a connection made during the war, limes started being sent from the Gold Coast (which is now Ghana) from 1924 onwards.

The famous Rose's Lime Marmalade was first introduced in the 1930s. In the 1940s, its advertising slogan was The Difference is Delightful. During World War II, food was rationed in the UK, and marmalade was part of the "jam ration." In 1955, Rose's lime juice received a special honour called a Royal Warrant. This means the product was supplied to the Queen!

Where Rose's Was Made

Shenley Hill Business premises. - geograph.org.uk - 39685
Shenley Hill House, one of the places where Rose's was based.

The company was originally based in London. However, during World War II, many of its buildings were badly damaged by bombs in 1940. Luckily, a new factory had already been built in St Albans.

After the war, the company's main base was in St Albans, Hertfordshire. There was also another factory at Boxmoor Wharf in Hemel Hempstead. This factory closed in 1983. Lime juice was brought to this site by canal from Brentford.

Lauchlan Rose MC (1894–1986), the founder's grandson, became the General Manager of the company in 1924.

Changes in Ownership

In July 1957, a big company called Schweppes wanted to buy L. Rose & Co Ltd. The deal went through in August 1957. At that time, Rose's was making a good profit. The Rose's lime juice cordial brand is still owned by a company that came from Schweppes.

Later, in 1969, Schweppes joined with another famous company, Cadbury, to become Cadbury-Schweppes.

What Kinds of Marmalade Does Rose's Make?

Rose's makes different kinds of marmalade, including:

  • Lime
  • Lemon
  • Orange
  • Ginger
  • Grapefruit
  • Lemon & Lime

Rose's in Australia

In Australia, the Rose's brand is owned by Cadbury. However, Cadbury gives a license to Heinz, another food company, to make the product. The marmalade itself is actually made in New Zealand by a food manufacturing company.

See also

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Rose's (marmalade) Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.