200 YEARS of history is at risk after the owners of the Queen’s favourite mustard announced they are considering closing the iconic company’s factory in Norwich.
Colman’s was founded in Norwich in 1814 and its mustard has been made in the city ever since.
Now the company’s owner Unilever has announced the plant may shut down after the firm that shares the site revealed it was pulling out.
Drinks giant Britvic said this morning they were closing their operations in Norwich, putting 240 jobs at risk.
Unilever, which bought Colman’s in 1995, said that it would “launch a review of its production” in the wake of the news.
The firm admitted it is considering the closure of the factory altogether – which could bring the end of the link between Colman’s and the city of Norwich.
A spokesman for Unilever said: “Following Britvic’s announcement that it is proposing to close its manufacturing site in Norwich, Unilever will be launching a review of its production which is co-located at the site.
“Britvic and Unilever’s operations have been uniquely intertwined at the site for many years, relying on a shared infrastructure.
“The review will look in detail at the impact of Britvic’s proposed withdrawal from the site and will consider options for the most effective sourcing of the current Norwich product range. One of those options will include the potential closure of our Norwich factory.”
The company added that it would “work hard” to uphold the Colman’s heritage.
Norfolk MP Norman Lamb called on Unilever to guarantee the future of the plant, telling The Sun: “This situation is really worrying for the workforce and their families. Colman’s is part of Norwich.
“I would urge the company to do everything it can to secure this factory’s future.”
Norwich North MP Chloe Smith also urged Unilever and Britvic to avoid job losses, saying: “This is very sad news and many constituents will be very anxious about the possible closures.
“The loss of any jobs is very troubling but to also risk losing the iconic Colman’s brand from Norwich would be a crying shame.”
Jeremiah Colman first started making mustard in a village near Norfolk in 1814, and his company developed into one of the UK’s best-known food brands.
Colman’s gained a royal warrant in 1865 and remains a supplier to the Queen and her family to this day.
Norwich council leader Alan Waters said today: “We are very shocked to hear about the large number of jobs at risk following Britvic’s announcement.
“We are also deeply concerned about the knock-on effects this could have for the iconic and internationally renowned brand of Colman’s.”
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