Our History

Believe it or not, there was a time when people thought you couldn’t improve on the classic cheese sandwich. That all changed in 1922 when the first batch of Branston Pickle hit the shelves.

Made by Crosse & Blackwell in the village of Branston, Staffordshire, the iconic pickle has been a kitchen table staple ever since.

From celebrity chefs to aspiring bakers and the humble sandwich-maker, Branston can help just about anyone be masterful with the food they make.

The Branston reins were handed to vinegar specialists Mizkan Euro in 2013. A privately-owned family company founded over 210 years ago; Branston was in safe hands.

The tangy British favourite didn’t leave our shores however, and is still mixed and bottled in Suffolk’s Bury St Edmunds. Made using the same secret recipe, with the traditional methods that made it so famous, Branston remains a firm family favourite.

Preferred recipes and servings vary, but all our fans agree on one thing; once a Branston eater, a Branston eater forever.

  1. 1922 Branston Pickle was born

    Named after the small village near Burton, Staffordshire, Crosse & Blackwell first produced Branston pickle in 1922.

  2. Crosse & Blackwell logo

    1929 Branston trademark was registered

    Crosse & Blackwell registered the trademark in 1929.

  3. 1972 First television advert launched

    First TV advert launched with the lyric ‘Bring out the Branston’.

  4. Crosse & Blackwell logo

    1999 Voted as top UK brand

    Branston Pickle voted as one of the top 50 UK brands of the 20th century.

  5. 2002 Bought by Premier Foods

    Premier Foods transferred the production to a factory in Bury St Edmunds in 2004.

  6. 2006 Branston Pickle available in over 50 countries

    Branston Pickle alone sold over 28 million jars in 2006.

  7. Mizkan logo

    2013 Sold by Premier Foods to Mizkan

    Japanese firm Mizkan Euro acquired Branston in February 2013. Its products are still manufactured in the UK, and the slogan ‘Bring out the Branston’ remains synonymous with the brand.

  8. 2013 Branston launches first TV advert in five years

    As part of the Make it Special campaign, the TV ad shows a dad who is defeated by many fatherly tasks, but makes it all up to his son by being great at making cheese and pickle sandwiches for lunchboxes.

  9. November 2014 Branston launches two new chutney flavours

    Caramelised Onion and Mediterranean Tomato chutneys hit the shelves and fast become favourites among Branston fans.