William Davies Company

William Davies Company

The William Davies Company was a significant player in the meat packing industry in Canada during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The company was founded by William Davies, a British immigrant who arrived in Canada in 1854.

History

The company's origins can be traced back to a small stall in St. Lawrence Market, where Davies began selling cured pork. The business quickly grew, and by the 1870s, the William Davies Company had become one of the largest pork exporters in the world. The company was known for its peameal bacon, which was exported to the United Kingdom and became a staple of the British diet.

Expansion and Influence

In the late 19th century, the William Davies Company expanded its operations to include beef and other meats. The company's influence on the Canadian meat industry was significant, and it played a key role in the development of Toronto's Hogtown nickname.

Decline and Legacy

The company faced financial difficulties in the early 20th century and was eventually sold to Canada Packers in 1927. Despite its decline, the William Davies Company left a lasting legacy in Toronto and the Canadian meat industry. The company's former headquarters, the William Davies Building, is a designated heritage site in Toronto.

See Also

• History of Toronto
• Meat packing industry
• Canada Packers

External Links

• William Davies Building - City of Toronto Heritage Property Detail
• William Davies - The Canadian Encyclopedia