Macpherson Robertson

Macpherson Robertson2

Australian confectionery entrepreneur

Macpherson Robertson (6 September 1859 – 20 August 1945) was an Australian confectionery entrepreneur and philanthropist. He founded the confectionery company MacRobertson's, which became one of the largest and most successful confectionery manufacturers in Australia.

Early life

Macpherson Robertson was born in Ballarat, Victoria, to Scottish parents. His father, David Robertson, was a carpenter, and his mother, Margaret, was a homemaker. The family moved to Fiji when Macpherson was a child, but they returned to Australia after a few years.

Career

In 1880, Robertson established a small confectionery business in the family home in Fitzroy, a suburb of Melbourne. He initially produced sweets and chocolates by hand, but as demand grew, he expanded his operations. By the early 20th century, MacRobertson's had become a major player in the Australian confectionery market.

Robertson was known for his innovative marketing techniques and high-quality products. Some of the most famous products from MacRobertson's include the Cherry Ripe, Freddo Frog, and Old Gold chocolates. The company also produced a wide range of other confectionery items, including gums, jellies, and toffees.

Philanthropy

Macpherson Robertson was a generous philanthropist, donating large sums of money to various causes. He funded the construction of several public buildings in Melbourne, including the MacRobertson Girls' High School and the MacRobertson Bridge. He also supported scientific research and exploration, notably sponsoring the MacRobertson Air Race in 1934, which was a significant event in the history of aviation.

Legacy

Macpherson Robertson's contributions to the confectionery industry and his philanthropic efforts left a lasting impact on Australian society. After his death in 1945, the company continued to operate until it was eventually acquired by Cadbury in 1967. Many of the products originally created by MacRobertson's are still popular today.

See also

• MacRobertson's
• Cherry Ripe
• Freddo Frog
• Old Gold (chocolate)
• MacRobertson Girls' High School
• MacRobertson Bridge
• MacRobertson Air Race