Rosella (brand) facts for kids
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| Subsidiary | |
| Founded | 1895 |
| Headquarters | , |
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Area served
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Worldwide |
| Products | Soups, Sauces, Condiments |
| Parent | Sabrands Australia |
Rosella is a well-known Australian brand. It makes tasty foods like tomato soup, tomato sauces, and pickled vegetables. The company started way back in 1895. It was first called the Rosella Preserving & Manufacturing Co.. Over the years, Rosella has had different owners. For about 40 years, it was owned by a big company called Unilever. Today, Sabrands Australia owns the brand. They bought Rosella in April 2013.
The brand is named after the beautiful Australian parrot. This colorful bird is also part of the Rosella logo.
Contents
The Story of Rosella
The Rosella brand began in 1895. Two friends, H.R. McCracken and T.J. Press, started it. McCracken was a sales agent, and Press was a grocer. They began by making jams and preserving fruits. They worked in a backyard in Carlton, Victoria.
Early Growth and First Factory
A man named Frederick John Cato helped them with money. He owned a grocery chain called Moran & Cato. With his help, Rosella opened a small factory. This factory was on Flinders Street in Melbourne. Later, in 1905, the Rosella Preserving Company opened a bigger factory. This new factory was in Richmond, Victoria.
Famous Tomato Sauce
Rosella quickly became famous for its tomato sauce. They first made this sauce in 1899. It has since become one of Australia's most loved food brands. The company also makes delicious soups and tomato chutney. Rosella started with only six workers. By 1931, it had grown a lot. The company employed over 1000 people. They worked across six different factories.
Who Owned Rosella?
Rosella has changed hands several times over the years.
Unilever Takes Over
In 1963, a company called Lever & Kitchen bought Rosella. This company later became known as Unilever. Rosella stayed under Unilever's ownership for almost 40 years.
Back to Australian Ownership
In 2002, Rosella returned to Australian ownership. A company called Stuart Alexander & Company bought the brand. They made a deal with Unilever. Unilever kept the Rosella factory for five years. During that time, Unilever continued to make Rosella products for Stuart Alexander. Stuart Alexander owned Rosella until 2006. Then, the brand was sold again.
Sabrands Australia Buys Rosella
In December 2012, the company that owned Rosella at the time, Gourmet Food Holdings, faced financial trouble. They also owned other brands like Waterwheel and Pitango. After trying to sell the company without success, it was announced in March 2013 that the company would close. The people in charge looked for a new owner for the Rosella brand.
In April 2013, Sabrands Australia bought the Rosella brand. Sabrands Australia is a family company. They are also known for Sunraysia fruit juice. Today, Sabrands Australia makes Rosella's soups, chutneys, and relishes in Adelaide, South Australia. They make the condiments in Silvan, Victoria.
See also
- List of brand name condiments
- List of oldest companies in Australia
