Britain's first sugar beet crop was grown and processed in Norfolk almost 100 years ago. That first harvest and factory 'campaign' began a remarkable partnership between agriculture and industry that has endured throughout the 20th century.
While making a major contribution to Britain's economy, the beet sugar industry has been a way of life for generations of farmers and factory workers.
The British beet sugar industry as we know it began in the early 1900's and the first factory was built by the Dutch at Cantley in Norfolk in 1912. During the 1920's a further 17 factories were erected and until the 1930's, the crop was processed by 13 autonomous companies in 18 factories throughout the country in an unplanned and uncoordinated operation.
In 1936, those factories were amalgamated by the Sugar Industry (Reorganisation) Act to form one organisation - the British Sugar Corporation - to manage the entire domestic crop; a development which marked a significant stage in the progress of the UK beet sugar industry.
The government remained a shareholder until 1981 when it sold its stake. The word 'corporation' was dropped from the company name in May 1982 and subsequent developments have further enhanced the security and future growth of British Sugar.
The company was acquired by Berisford International in 1982 and subsequently purchased by Associated British Foods on January 2, 1991. The deal brought the Silver Spoon brand together with numerous other top brands in the UK grocery market: notably Twinings tea, Ryvita and Kingsmill to name but a few.