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Edgell is an Australian brand that was acquired by the US-based J.R. Simplot Company in 1995. The brand was previously owned by Pacific Dunlop. J.R. Simplot Company is committed to sourcing Australian vegetables first and aims to use homegrown produce whenever possible. The company has five Australian manufacturing sites and employs almost 2,000 staff in the country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Current Owner | J.R. Simplot Company |
| Year of Acquisition | 1995 |
| Other Brands Acquired | Birds Eye, Leggo's, Chiko, Leggo, Harvest, Herbert Adams, Plumrose, Four'N Twenty, Big Sister, Nanna’s, Wedgewood pastries, John West, Ally, Seakist |
| Number of Manufacturing Sites | 5 |
| Number of Employees | Almost 2,000 |
| Number of Australian Growers | Over 100 |
| Number of Australian-Grown Vegetables Sourced Annually | 400,000 Tonnes |
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What You'll Learn
Edgell is owned by US-based J.R. Simplot Company
Edgell is owned by the US-based J.R. Simplot Company. The J.R. Simplot Company acquired Edgell, an Australian food brand, in 1995. This acquisition allowed Simplot to enter the Australian market and expand its operations in the country.
Simplot Australia, the subsidiary of the US-based J.R. Simplot Company, owns several well-known brands in Australia, including Birds Eye, Leggo's, and Chiko. Edgell, a brand with a long history in Australia, was once a small family business that grew into a major corporation through intelligent mergers and acquisitions.
Today, Edgell products are made primarily in Simplot's Bathurst factory in New South Wales, employing over 200 people. The company works closely with Australian farmers, some of whom have been growing Edgell vegetables for generations.
Simplot Australia has a strong commitment to sourcing Australian-grown vegetables first and has five Australian manufacturing sites and almost 2,000 staff across the country. The company has navigated various challenges, including organisational changes, acquisitions, and divestments, while maintaining its focus on quality and backing Australian growers and manufacturers.
While Edgell is now owned by a US-based company, its operations remain firmly rooted in Australia, with a rich history and strong connections to local farmers and manufacturers.
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The J.R. Simplot Company acquired Edgell in 1995
The J.R. Simplot Company, an American agricultural supplier specialising in potato products, acquired Edgell in 1995, along with other iconic Australian food brands like Birds Eye, Leggo's, Chiko, Harvest, Herbert Adams, Plumrose, Four'N Twenty, Big Sister, Nanna's, and Wedgewood pastries. This acquisition marked the company's expansion into Australia and provided a strong foothold for entering the Australian market.
Edgell, an Australian icon brand, was first launched in 1926 by Gordon Edgell & Sons, who became the first company to can vegetables in Australia. Over the years, Edgell expanded its operations and diversified its product range beyond vegetables to include processing tropical fruits, juices, pineapples, beetroot, and sauces. By the 1950s, Edgell had established itself as a major corporation with a deep freezing business and a modern Frozen Food Distribution Centre at Rozelle.
The acquisition by J.R. Simplot brought about a significant transformation for Edgell. Under the new ownership, Edgell underwent a major rejuvenation program, leveraging innovation and experience to move into the 21st century with a focus on producing world-class vegetable products. The brand continued to lead the way with new products, contemporary packaging, and a commitment to healthier eating.
Today, Edgell works closely with over 100 Australian farmers and manufactures the majority of its products in its Bathurst factory, staying true to its roots in the Australian vegetable market. The acquisition by J.R. Simplot has allowed Edgell to benefit from the company's global presence while maintaining its core values of respect for resources, innovation, and passion for people.
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Edgell was previously owned by Pacific Dunlop
Edgell is currently owned by the US-based J.R. Simplot Company, which acquired the brand in 1995. However, prior to this, Edgell was owned by Pacific Dunlop.
Pacific Dunlop is an Australian company that owned Edgell during a significant rejuvenation phase. This period saw Edgell undergo a transformation, setting it on a trajectory of future success. The company diversified its product range, venturing into the processing of tropical fruits, juices, pineapples, beetroot, and sauces. Edgell also formed a joint venture with National Sea Products of Canada, establishing itself as a prominent producer of nutritional foods.
The ownership by Pacific Dunlop marked a dynamic phase in Edgell's history, adapting to changing times and markets. It was a period of expansion and diversification, with a focus on innovation and maintaining a reputation for consistency and quality.
Under Pacific Dunlop's stewardship, Edgell continued to thrive and evolve, adapting to technological advancements and market demands. This foundation paved the way for Edgell's future success, and it eventually became a well-loved and iconic Australian brand.
In 1995, J.R. Simplot, recognizing the brand's strong reputation in Australia, acquired Edgell, along with other beloved Australian food brands such as Birds Eye, Leggo's, and Chiko. This acquisition marked Simplot's entry into the Australian market, and the company has since navigated acquisitions, divestments, and organisational changes with professionalism and a commitment to quality.
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Edgell is Simplot Australia's only large-scale producer of frozen vegetables
Edgell is an Australian brand with a long history. It was founded in the 1920s by Gordon Edgell, who planted asparagus in rows rather than the traditional beds, marking the beginning of a new Australian enterprise. The brand continued to prosper and expand, even through the Great Depression and World War II, when it provided essential food for the Forces. In the 1950s, Edgell opened its first Sales Office in Australia House, Carrington Street, Sydney, and entered the deep freezing business with a modern Frozen Food Distribution Centre at Rozelle. In 1955, Edgell united with another industry pioneer to introduce the 'Birds Eye' brand, and the Edgell-Birds Eye Company was born.
In 1995, J.R. Simplot, a US-based company, acquired Edgell and other well-loved Australian food brands, including Birds Eye, Leggo's, and Chiko. This acquisition allowed Simplot to enter the Australian market and expand its operations. Today, Simplot Australia owns the brand Edgell and continues to produce world-class vegetable products, with a focus on innovation, contemporary packaging, and healthier eating.
Simplot Australia is the country's only large-scale producer of frozen vegetables and has a strong commitment to sourcing Australian-grown produce. They have five Australian manufacturing sites, employ almost 2,000 staff, and source 400,000 tonnes of Australian-grown vegetables annually. However, due to recent natural disasters, such as droughts, bushfires, and floods, Simplot Australia has faced challenges in sourcing enough Australian-grown vegetables. As a result, they have had to look outside the country for supply, including importing corn from Thailand, to ensure they can continue providing their customers with the products they need.
Despite these challenges, Edgell, under the ownership of Simplot Australia, remains dedicated to its Australian roots. The majority of Edgell products are made in Simplot's Bathurst factory by a team of over 200 people, and the brand works closely with over 100 Australian farmers to source its vegetables. Edgell has come a long way since its early beginnings, and it continues to be a leading producer of vegetable products in Australia, adapting to the changing times and demands of the market.
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Simplot Australia has five manufacturing sites and employs almost 2,000 people
Edgell is an Australian brand with a rich history dating back to the 1920s when Gordon Edgell planted asparagus in rows, marking the beginning of a new Australian icon. Over the years, Edgell expanded its operations and diversified its product offerings, becoming a major corporation with international links. In 1995, J.R. Simplot acquired Edgell, along with other well-loved Australian food brands, marking Simplot's entry into the Australian market.
Simplot Australia, the Australian arm of the J.R. Simplot Company, has a strong presence in the country with five manufacturing sites and almost 2,000 employees. The company is committed to backing Australian growers and manufacturers, investing in its people, and building long-term partnerships with local farmers and suppliers. Simplot Australia's manufacturing facilities are located in Echuca, Victoria; Bathurst and Kelso in New South Wales; and Devonport and Ulverstone in Tasmania. These sites play a crucial role in processing and packaging a variety of food products, including vegetables, snacks, and seafood.
The Echuca site, for example, hosts five separate product lines and processes over 45,000 tonnes per year. It is also home to Simplot's range of fish products for beloved Australian brands. The Bathurst factory, on the other hand, is where the majority of Edgell products are made, employing a dedicated team of over 200 people. This site has a long history with the brand, dating back to when Maxwell Edgell established the company's first cannery there in 1926.
Simplot Australia's commitment to its employees is evident through its focus on attracting and retaining the best people. The company offers flexible work options and competitive employee rewards and benefits. It also strives to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture. By investing in its people and fostering long-term partnerships, Simplot Australia contributes to the country's economic growth and supports local communities.
With its five manufacturing sites and dedicated workforce, Simplot Australia plays a significant role in the country's food industry. The company's strong presence and commitment to quality have helped establish it as a trusted provider of beloved food brands in Australia and New Zealand. Simplot Australia's legacy is built on a rich history, innovative spirit, and dedication to delivering high-quality, healthy food options to consumers.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Edgell is owned by the US-based J.R. Simplot Company.
The J.R. Simplot Company acquired Edgell in 1995, along with other Australian food brands.
Simplot Australia owns several brands including Birds Eye, Leggo's, Chiko, Harvest, Herbert Adams, Plumrose, Four'N Twenty, Big Sister, Nanna's and Wedgewood pastries.
The majority of Edgell products are made in Simplot's Bathurst factory in NSW by a team of over 200 people.
