Crawford's

Crawford's Biscuits is a historic brand of biscuits and baked goods that originated in the United Kingdom. Founded in Leith, Scotland, in 1813 by William Crawford, the company has played a significant role in the development of the biscuit industry in the UK. Over the years, Crawford's has become synonymous with quality biscuits, ranging from shortbread to digestives and assorted creams.

History

The origins of Crawford's Biscuits trace back to the early 19th century when William Crawford established a small bakery in Leith, Scotland. Initially focusing on bread, the company expanded its range to include biscuits, which quickly became popular. By the late 19th century, Crawford's had grown into one of Scotland's largest biscuit manufacturers, with a reputation for quality and innovation.

In the 20th century, Crawford's continued to expand, opening new factories and introducing automated biscuit-making processes. The company was known for its wide range of biscuits, including family favorites like Shortbread, Custard Creams, and Bourbon Biscuits.

Acquisition and Legacy

In the latter part of the 20th century, Crawford's underwent several ownership changes. It was acquired by United Biscuits in 1962, a move that integrated Crawford's into one of the UK's leading biscuit and snack food conglomerates. Despite these changes, the Crawford's name remained on many biscuit varieties, preserving its heritage and connection to traditional biscuit-making.

Today, Crawford's Biscuits are part of the Pladis global snacking company, which continues to produce and distribute Crawford's branded products alongside other historic biscuit brands. The legacy of Crawford's Biscuits as a pioneer in the biscuit industry is still celebrated, with many of its products remaining popular in the UK and abroad.

Products

Crawford's Biscuits has produced a wide range of biscuit types over its history. Some of its most well-known products include:

• Shortbread: A traditional Scottish biscuit made from flour, butter, and sugar, known for its crumbly texture and rich flavor.
• Custard Creams: A sandwich biscuit with a creamy, custard-flavored filling, widely regarded as a classic British biscuit.
• Bourbon Biscuits: Another popular sandwich biscuit, consisting of two chocolate-flavored biscuits with a chocolate buttercream filling.

Cultural Impact

Crawford's Biscuits have had a significant cultural impact in the UK, becoming a staple in households and a part of British tea-time tradition. The brand's history and products are often associated with comfort, nostalgia, and the simple pleasures of a cup of tea and biscuits.

See Also

• Biscuit
• United Biscuits
• Pladis
• Shortbread
• Custard Cream
• Bourbon Biscuit