Colman's Mustard, a brand with a 160-year history of production in Norwich, England, has been put up for sale. The decision to market the brand and its assets comes ahead of a proposed merger between its parent company, Unilever, and the American food giant McCormick, a deal reportedly valued at £48 billion.
A spokesperson for Unilever stated that the sale is intended to "proactively seek to address potential competition concerns from the planned combination of Unilever Foods and McCormick." The company has deep roots in Norfolk, having been founded in 1814 by Jeremiah Colman at Stoke Holy Cross. Production later moved to Carrow in 1858.
Historically, the firm operated with a comprehensive ethos for its workers. Located outside of Norwich, the company provided education, housing, healthcare, and leisure facilities for its employees and their families. A school was established on Carrow Hill in 1864 for employees' children. The company also supplied coffins for workers and their families and constructed a series of terrace houses, some of which were reportedly painted mustard yellow.
