View source for Baxters

{{short description|Scottish food manufacturer}}
{{other uses|Baxter (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Baxters Food Group Ltd.
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =    <!-- Use ISO 639-1 code, e.g. "fr" for French. For multiple names in different languages, use {{lang|[code]|[name]}}. -->
| romanized_name =
| trade_name   = Baxters
| logo = Baxters Logo With Royal Warrant.png
| logo_size =
| logo_alt =
| logo_caption =
| logo_padding =
| image =Stag outside Baxters Highland Village - geograph.org.uk - 950525.jpg
| image_size =
| image_alt =Statue of a stag outside Baxters Highland Village.
| image_caption =Statue of a stag outside Baxters Highland Village
| type = [[Private company|Private]]
| traded_as =
| ISIN =
| predecessor =         <!-- or: | predecessors = -->
| successor =           <!-- or: | successors = -->
| founded = {{Start date|df=yes|1868}}
| founder = George Baxter
| defunct =             <!-- {{end date|df=yes|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| fate =
| location = [[Fochabers]], Scotland, UK
| num_locations =
| num_locations_year =   <!-- Year of num_locations data (when known) -->
| area_served = Worldwide
| key_people = {{ublist |Audrey Baxter ([[Executive Chairman]] and [[Chief Executive Officer|CEO]]|Gordon Baxter (Director)|Ronald Davis (Director)}}
| industry = [[Food Processing]]
| products = {{ublist | Canned meat, | [[Condiments]], | [[Fruit preserves]], | [[Soup]] }}
| brands = {{ublist |Audrey Baxter Signature Range, | [[Fray Bentos (food brand)|Fray Bentos]], | Garners, | Jack Daniel's BBQ Sauce, | Simply Delicious | }}
| production =
| production_year =     <!-- Year of production data (when known) -->
| services =
| revenue = {{increase}} £248.6 million<ref name="accounts2016">{{cite web|title=Baxters Food Group Ltd. - 2016 Annual Accounts|url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/SC023572/filing-history/MzE2NTAyMjk1NWFkaXF6a2N4/document?format=pdf&download=0|website=Companies House|publisher=Companies House|accessdate=10 January 2017}}</ref>
| revenue_year = 2016
| operating_income =
| income_year =         <!-- Year of operating_income data (when known) -->
| net_income = {{increase}} £12.5 million<ref name="accounts2016" />
| net_income_year = 2016
| assets =
| assets_year =         <!-- Year of assets data (when known) -->
| equity =
| equity_year =         <!-- Year of equity data (when known) -->
| owner =               <!-- or: | owners = -->
| members =
| members_year =        <!-- Year of members data (when known) -->
| num_employees = 1,500<ref name="accounts2016" />
| num_employees_year = 2016
| parent = W.A. Baxter & Sons (Holdings) Limited
| divisions =
| subsid =
| module =              <!-- Used to embed other templates -->
| website = {{URL|https://www.baxters.com}}
| footnotes =
| former_name =
}}
'''Baxters Food Group Limited''', also known as '''Baxters of Speyside''' or '''Baxters''', is a food processing company, based in [[Fochabers]], Scotland. It produces foods such as [[Soup|canned soups]], canned meat products, [[Pickling|sour pickles]], [[sauce]]s, [[vinegar]]s, [[antipasto]], [[chutney]]s, [[fruit preserves]] and salad and meat [[condiment]]s.
Products are sold under the Baxters brand as well as a variety of brands owned, or [[Brand licensing|licensed]], to the group.<ref name="accounts2016" /> Baxters has remained a [[Privately held company|private family company]] for four generations, during which time it has expanded significantly by acquiring other business within the [[United Kingdom]] and internationally. Baxters holds a [[Royal Warrant of Appointment (United Kingdom)|Royal Warrant]] from [[Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom|Her Majesty the Queen]] as purveyors of Scottish specialities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.royalwarrant.org/company/wa-baxter-sons-holdings-ltd?back=/directory?query=baxters|title=W.A. Baxter & Sons (Holdings) Ltd {{!}} Royal Warrant Holders Association|website=www.royalwarrant.org|access-date=10 January 2017}}</ref>
The company was known as '''W.A. Baxter & Sons Ltd.''' prior to 21 December 2006.<ref>{{cite web |title=BAXTERS FOOD GROUP LIMITED - Overview (free company information from Companies House) |url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/SC023572 |website=find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk |access-date=28 June 2021 |language=en}}</ref>
==History==
===Origins and early to mid-20th century===
Baxters was founded in 1868 by 25 year old gardener George Baxter when he borrowed £100 from family members and established a grocery shop in Fochabers, [[Moray]]. George's wife Margaret Baxter supported her husband by making jams and jellies using local fruit.<ref>{{Cite web|title = The First Shop Opens|url = https://www.baxters.com/our-company/timeline|website = Baxters|accessdate =25 February 2022}}</ref>
In 1916, George and Margaret's son, William Baxter, purchased land from the [[Duke of Richmond and Lennox|Duke of Richmond and Gordon]] and with his wife, [[Ethel Baxter]], built a factory adjacent to the [[River Spey]], to the east of Fochabers. The Baxters shop became known for supplying jams and jellies and began preparing their own [[beetroot]], and selling it to other grocers. Ethel concentrated on jam making, while William promoted the business throughout Scotland.<ref>{{Cite web|title = 'Be different, be better' – Timeline|url =https://www.baxters.com/our-company/timeline|website = Baxters|accessdate = 19 October 2021}}</ref>
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Baxter Royal Game Soup Can.jpg|left|thumb|Baxter's ''Royal Game'' soup was the first soup created by Ethel Baxter in 1929. A can with artwork dating from 2017 is featured.]] -->
A canning machine was hired by Ethel in 1923 in order to can local fruit in syrup, such as [[Strawberry|strawberries]], [[Raspberry|raspberries]] and [[Plum|plums]], with Baxters becoming one of the first companies in Scotland to do so.<ref>{{Cite web|title = The First Canning Begins|url = http://www.baxters.com/about-baxters/record-set/|website = Baxters|accessdate = 1 November 2015|archive-date = 17 January 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160117110408/http://www.baxters.com/about-baxters/record-set/|url-status = dead}}</ref> Ethel started creating a variety of soups using local produce in 1929, the first being ''Royal Game'' using [[venison]] from Upper Speyside. The packaging artwork features a derivative of the painting ''[[The Monarch of the Glen (painting)|The Monarch of the Glen]]'', an oil-on-canvas painting of a [[red deer]] stag completed in 1851 by the English painter [[Sir Edwin Landseer]]. Before long the Baxter family were supplying upmarket department stores in London such as [[Harrods]] and [[Fortnum & Mason]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.baxters.com/about-baxters/soup-starts/|title=From Jams to Soups|website=Baxters|accessdate=1 November 2015|archive-date=17 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117110408/http://www.baxters.com/about-baxters/soup-starts/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
During the Second World War, the company survived principally by producing jam for the armed forces.
===Mid to late 20th century===
Ena and Gordon Baxter joined the company in 1952. Ena, an artist and cook, helped expand the range of Scottish soups on offer to include traditional Scottish recipes such as [[Cock-a-leekie soup|Cock-a-leekie]], [[Scotch broth|Scotch Broth]] and Chicken Broth.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Ena Joins The Company|url = http://www.baxters.com/about-baxters/ena-joins-company/|website = Baxters|accessdate = 1 November 2015|archive-date = 17 January 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160117110408/http://www.baxters.com/about-baxters/ena-joins-company/|url-status = dead}}</ref> In 1955, Baxters was granted royal warrants of appointment by [[Elizabeth II|Queen Elizabeth II]], [[Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother]] and [[Gustaf VI Adolf of Sweden|King Gustav VI of Sweden]] for the manufacturer of Scottish food specialties.<ref>{{Cite web|title = By Royal Appointment|url = http://www.baxters.com/about-baxters/royal-appointment/|website = Baxters|accessdate = 1 November 2015|archive-date = 17 January 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160117110408/http://www.baxters.com/about-baxters/royal-appointment/|url-status = dead}}</ref>
In the 1960s, Baxters was supplying its products internationally and in 1962 it was the first company in the United Kingdom to introduce twist-top caps to 12oz jars for preserves.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Becoming World Famous|url = http://www.baxters.com/about-baxters/success-continues/|website = Baxters|accessdate = 1 November 2015|archive-date = 17 January 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160117110408/http://www.baxters.com/about-baxters/success-continues/|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Another Innovation|url = http://www.baxters.com/about-baxters/another-first/|website = Baxters|accessdate = 1 November 2015|archive-date = 17 January 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160117110408/http://www.baxters.com/about-baxters/another-first/|url-status = dead}}</ref> By the 1980s, Baxters had become a leading premium soup brand{{third-party inline|date=October 2022}} and began promoting more exotic soup flavours.<ref>{{Cite web|title = New Flavours For A New Era|url = http://www.baxters.com/about-baxters/business-expands/|website = Baxters|accessdate = 1 November 2015|archive-date = 17 January 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160117110408/http://www.baxters.com/about-baxters/business-expands/|url-status = dead}}</ref> Despite the increasing size of the company, Baxters maintained an image as a "family business", with a series of advertisements showing the Baxter family heavily involved in the preparation of their products.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Baxters on TV|url = http://www.baxters.com/about-baxters/ena-on-tv/|website = Baxters|accessdate = 1 November 2015|archive-date = 17 January 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160117110408/http://www.baxters.com/about-baxters/ena-on-tv/|url-status = dead}}</ref>
Gordon Baxter's daughter Audrey Baxter became managing director in 1992, who along with her brother Andrew Baxter developed a range of new products. The company's other major shareholder is James Baxter, Andrew Baxter's son. Gordon Baxter died in 2013 (aged 95), and Ena Baxter in 2015 (aged 90).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-30897005|title=Ena Baxter of Baxters food empire dies aged 90|work=BBC News}}</ref>
===21st century===
In the 21st century, Baxters commenced a strategy of significant expansion by acquiring rival food manufactures in order to double in size and increase annual turnover to in excess of £100 million.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.scotsman.com/business/companies/baxters-stocks-up-with-purchase-of-ccl-foods-1-885233|title=Baxters stocks up with purchase of CCL Foods|website=www.scotsman.com|access-date=18 December 2016}}</ref> Its first acquisition was in July 2001 when Garner Foods Ltd., a producer of a pickles, chutneys and salad dressings was purchased. Garners was established in 1989 and employed 40 people at its base in [[Pershore]], Worcestershire.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12176317.Baxters_adds_Garner_Foods_to_the_mix/|title=Baxters adds Garner Foods to the mix|date=28 July 2001|website=Herald Scotland|publisher=Herald & Times Group|access-date=11 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Baxters+purchase+garners+foods.+(company+evaluation).-a080689613 |title=Baxters purchase garners foods. (company evaluation). - Free Online Library |publisher=Thefreelibrary.com |date=1 September 2001 |accessdate=18 March 2013}}</ref>
In 2001, a new {{cvt|70000|sqft}} factory for the manufacturing of chilled soups was built for Baxters in [[Grimsby]], northeast Lincolnshire.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url=http://www.scotsman.com/business/northern-foods-takes-soup-plant-off-baxters-hands-1-1073483|title=Northern Foods takes soup plant off Baxters' hands|website=www.scotsman.com|access-date=7 January 2017}}</ref>
CCL Foods PLC was purchased by Baxters in July 2003. The firm employed 50 people at its plant in [[Earls Colne]] near [[Colchester]] in Essex and produces pickles and condiments under the [[Mary Berry]], [[Peppadew]], [[PizzaExpress|Pizza Express]], Olivaise and Simply Delicious brands and for supermarkets such as [[Safeway (UK)|Safeway]] (now [[Morrisons]]) and [[Waitrose]].<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/baxters-gets-ccl/86252.article|title=Baxters gets CCL|website=www.thegrocer.co.uk|access-date=18 December 2016}}</ref> CCL Foods operates as a subsidiary of Baxters and is now known as Baxters (Earls Colne) Ltd.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/02794821|title=BAXTERS (EARLS COLNE) LIMITED|website=beta.companieshouse.gov.uk|publisher=Companies House|access-date=18 December 2016}}</ref>
Norman Soutar was appointed as [[Group Managing Director|group managing director]] in July 2004 and was the first non-member of the Baxter family to lead the company. Soutar had joined Baxters in 2000 as food service director and was later director of corporate strategy.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=http://www.scotsman.com/business/companies/mystery-over-exit-of-soutar-from-baxters-1-1140124|title=Mystery over exit of Soutar from Baxters|website=www.scotsman.com|access-date=20 December 2016}}</ref> His appointment as group managing director gave him operational management of the business and began a new approach to foreign markets, whereby Baxters sought to establish overseas production facilities rather than relying on [[International trade|exporting]] goods from the United Kingdom.
Baxter's first overseas takeover was in 2004 when it purchased Canada's largest [[private label]] soup manufacturer, Soup-Experts Inc. The Quebec-based company was established in 1975, initially focusing on producing sauce before expanding into private label foods in the 1990s.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12416200.Baxters_expands_horizons_with_first_ever_acquisition_overseas_Group_snaps_up_Canada_apos_s_leading_maker_of_private_label_soups/|title=Baxters expands horizons with first-ever acquisition overseas Group snaps up Canada's leading maker of private label soups|website=HeraldScotland|access-date=20 December 2016}}</ref> Soup-Experts became part of the Baxters Canada group.<ref name="foodchain-magazine1">{{cite web|url=http://www.foodchain-magazine.com/article-page.php?contentid=370&issueid=42|title=Food Chain|date=31 August 2006|publisher=Foodchain-magazine.com|accessdate=18 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117110408/http://www.foodchain-magazine.com/article-page.php?contentid=370&issueid=42|archive-date=17 January 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Audrey Baxter Signature Range Relishes.jpg|thumb|Audrey Baxter Signature Range Relishes]] -->
Baxters launched its flagship range of premium products in 2005 with the creation of the Audrey Baxter Signature Range. The range includes [[Curd|curds]], [[Conſerves|conserves]], [[Marmalade|marmalades]], jellies, chutneys and relishes made in small batches. Limited editions are available seasonally.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.foodanddrink.scot/news/article-info/6215/launch-speciality-fine-food-fair-the-audrey-baxter-signature-range.aspx|title=Launch Speciality Fine Food Fair: The Audrey Baxter Signature Range|date=4 September 2015|website=www.foodanddrink.scot|language=en|access-date=28 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://shop.baxters.com/collections/audrey-baxter|title=Audrey Baxter Collection|website=Baxters Kitchen|access-date=28 February 2017|archive-date=1 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301180355/https://shop.baxters.com/collections/audrey-baxter|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In July 2006, Norman Soutar left Baxters, with executive chairman Audrey Baxter adopting the role of managing director. No reason for Soutar's departure was given, with many staff reportedly unaware until the matter was made public in September 2006, when newspaper reports suggested disagreement over how the firm was being run.<ref name=":3" />
Against a background of poor performance in 2006, with annual profits falling by more than £1 million, Baxters opted to take advantage of lower labour costs by transferring its Garners Foods pickling operation to a {{cvt|43055|sqft}} purpose-built factory located in [[Wolsztyn]], Poland.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12754312.Baxters_insists_new_Polish_plant_will_not_hit_jobs/|title=Baxters insists new Polish plant will not hit jobs|date=25 January 2007|website=Herald Scotland|publisher=Herald & Times Group|language=en|access-date=30 January 2017}}</ref> As a result, Garner's factory in Pershore was closed in 2007 with the loss of 23 jobs.<ref name=":6" /> Baxters continues to use the Garners brand.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pickledonionlovers.com/|title=Garner's - For real pickled onion lovers|website=www.pickledonionlovers.com|access-date=11 December 2016}}</ref>
Baxters Food Australia Pty Ltd. was established in 2006 to act as an in-country customer service division for Baxter's growing [[Australasia]] market. In April 2008, Baxters acquired Australian food processor Sole Pio Pty, a family company established in 1994 and based in [[Campbellfield, Victoria|Campbellfield]], Melbourne, Victoria.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gohospitality.com.au/c/Baxters-Foods|title=Baxters Foods|website=gohospitality.com.au|publisher=The Intermedia Group|access-date=31 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329194347/http://www.gohospitality.com.au/c/Baxters-Foods|archive-date=29 March 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Sole Pio specialised in supplying the [[Foodservice|catering sector]] with marinated and flame-grilled vegetables, [[pesto]]s, and [[tapenade]]s, under the Bamboleo and Argents Hill brands, both of which Baxters continues to use.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://baxtersfoods.com.au/food-service/bamboleo|title=Baxters {{!}} Food Service|website=baxtersfoods.com.au|publisher=Baxters|language=en|access-date=31 January 2017}}</ref> Baxters bought Australian firm Andrews Food Distributors in 2010.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.scotsman.com/business/management/baxters-swallows-third-aussie-firm-despite-bentos-profits-drop-1-2818058/amp|title=Baxters swallows third Aussie firm despite Bentos profits drop|date=2 March 2013|website=www.scotsman.com|access-date=9 February 2017}}</ref> In an effort to increase Baxter's market share in the Australian retail market, Jensen's Choice Foods was purchased in early 2013. Operating from [[Huntingdale, Victoria|Huntingdale]] in Melbourne, Jensen's was founded in 1984 and its product range includes pasta sauces, [[Salsa (sauce)|salsa dips]], wet spices, [[Tomato purée|passata]], fruit spreads sold under the Jensen's Organic brand and [[cookie dough]] under the Aunty Kath's brand. It also manufactures private label brands for major retailers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au/news/baxters-expands-retail-presence-with-jensen-s-choice-acquisition|title=Baxters expands retail presence with Jensen's Choice acquisition - Food & Drink Business|date=6 February 2013|language=en|access-date=31 January 2017}}</ref>
Baxters withdrew from the chilled soups sector in 2008 and sold its Grimsby factory to [[Northern Foods]], attributing the move to strong competition in the sector and a desire to focus on more profitable products.<ref name=":5" />
The soups division of Canadian firm CanGro Foods was bought by Baxters in May 2007, transferring into Baxters' Canadian operation, Baxters Canada Inc. The deal saw Baxters acquire the Primo and Aylmer soup brands and more than double its revenue in Canada.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.scotsman.com/business/companies/baxters-deal-doubles-canada-sales-1-745699|title=Baxters deal doubles Canada sales|date=3 May 2007|website=Scotsman|language=en|access-date=9 February 2017}}</ref>
[[File:Fray Bentos pie tins 2015.jpg|left|thumb|Fray Bentos steak & kidney pie tin]]
In November 2011, to the surprise of some food manufacturing industry [[Pundit|commentators]], the company acquired the [[Fray Bentos (food brand)|Fray Bentos]] range of pies and other canned meat products from [[Princes Group|Princes Ltd]].<ref name=":7">{{Cite news|url=http://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/Manufacturing/Dare-to-be-different|title=Dare to be different|last=Scattergood|first=Gary|date=2 April 2013|newspaper=FoodManufacture.co.uk|access-date=6 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130407202622/http://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/Manufacturing/Dare-to-be-different|archive-date=7 April 2013|url-status=dead|language=en-GB}}</ref> Princes were forced to sell the brand on competition grounds having acquired it from Premier Foods as part of the purchase of Premier's canned food division.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scotsman.com/business/management/baxters-swallows-third-aussie-firm-despite-bentos-profits-drop-1-2818058|title=Baxters swallows third Aussie firm despite Bentos profits drop - Management|date=2 March 2013|work=Scotsman.com|author=Peter Ranscombe|accessdate=18 March 2013}}</ref> By January 2013, production-line equipment and the manufacturing of Fray Bentos products had been transferred from [[Long Sutton, Lincolnshire|Long Sutton]] in Lincolnshire to the Baxters premises in Fochabers. Of the 125 new staff recruited as part of the expansion, 11 transferred from Long Sutton, which according to Baxters helped ensure a smooth transition between the two sites. The production line is accommodated in a two-storey extension to the Fochabers factory and initial production levels were 67,000 tinned pies per week.<ref name=":7" />
Fray Bentos was named after the town of [[Fray Bentos]] in [[Uruguay]], from which it originally imported meat into the UK.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/f8f05ec2-b9f9-11e0-b7a9-00144feabdc0.html#axzz3oz5or7nL|title=Fray Bentos slice of history for sale|work=Financial Times}}</ref> Fray Bentos was bought by Campbell's in 1993 and sold on to Premier Foods as part of the sale of the US food group's UK assets in 2006. Since the acquisition, Baxters has introduced new products under the Fray Bentos brand, such as soups in August 2012 and instant hot meals (Fray Bentos Hunger Busters) in June 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fdin.org.uk/2012/08/fray-bentos-launches-new-soup-range/|title=Fray Bentos Launches New Soup Range|date=6 August 2012|website=Food & Drink Innovation Network|language=en-US|access-date=6 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.conveniencestore.co.uk/products/new-baxters-and-fray-bento-hot-meal-ranges-launched/358561.article|title=New Baxters and Fray Bento hot meal ranges launched|newspaper=ConvenienceStore.co.uk|access-date=6 February 2017|language=en}}</ref>
In 2012, Baxters bought Manor Vinegar from their Japanese owners [[Mizkan Group]]. The company's manufacturing plant located in [[Burntwood]], [[Staffordshire]] was purchased after the then [[Office of Fair Trading|Office of Fair Trading (OFT)]] raised [[Competition law|competition concerns]] with Mizkan's purchase of the vinegar and pickles division of [[Premier Foods]]. The sale to Baxters alleviated the OFT's concerns and reinstated pre-existing levels of competition in the manufacture and supply of vinegars in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.oft.gov.uk/news-and-updates/press/2013/19-13#.UTRisqLsJPF|title=OFT accepts offer from Nakano to sell Burntwood vinegar plant to remedy merger concerns|date=26 February 2013|website=Office of Fair Trading|archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20140402142426/http://www.oft.gov.uk/news-and-updates/press/2013/19-13|archive-date=2 April 2014|access-date=6 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/sour-taste-as-owners-forced-to-put-5165|title=Sour taste as owners forced to put Burntwood vinegar factory up for sale|last=Griffin|first=Jon|date=3 October 2012|newspaper=birminghammail|access-date=6 February 2017}}</ref>
In 2014, Baxters bought Wornick Foods, a military rations manufacturer in the USA.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McCulloch |first1=Scott |title=US acquisition lifts Baxters Food Group profits |url=https://www.insider.co.uk/company-results-forecasts/acquisition-lifts-baxters-food-group-9875121 |access-date=9 January 2021 |work=businessInsider |date=5 January 2017 |language=en}}</ref>
In January 2018, Baxters moved its headquarters to Edinburgh, though Audrey Baxter described Fochabers as remaining as the company's “spiritual home”.<ref name="Scotsman-Dec-2018">{{cite news |title=The Big Interview: Audrey Baxter |url=https://www.scotsman.com/business/big-interview-audrey-baxter-1424268 |access-date=9 January 2021 |work=www.scotsman.com |date=22 December 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Choosing to focus on US, European and Australian markets, Baxters sold its Canadian businesses, Baxters Canada Inc, in 2018.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Addy |first1=Rod |title=Baxters Food Group sells Canadian subsidiary |url=https://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/Article/2018/06/20/Soup-firm-sells-off-Canadian-subsidiary |website=foodmanufacture.co.uk |access-date=9 January 2021 |date=20 June 2018}}</ref>
==Today==
[[File:Inflatable Nessie, at the Loch Ness Marathon finish.jpg|thumb|Baxters branding at the Loch Ness Marathon.]]
Baxters has been the main sponsor of the annual [[Loch Ness Marathon]] and Festival of Running since 2002. The event takes place in and around [[Inverness]] in the Scottish Highlands, around 40 miles to the west of Baxter's Fochabers headquarters.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lochnessmarathon.com/sponsors/title-sponsor/|title=Loch Ness Marathon {{!}} Title Sponsor|website=www.lochnessmarathon.com|access-date=5 October 2016}}</ref>
In late 2020, Baxters expanded its US operations by acquiring Truitt Bros, a contract manufacturer of shelf-stable, thermally processed foods, with 500 employees in Kentucky and Oregon.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Walker |first1=Peter A. |title=Baxters Food Group strengthens its US strategy with Truitt Bros acquisition |url=https://www.insider.co.uk/deals-and-dealmakers/baxters-food-group-strengthens-strategy-23199832 |access-date=9 January 2021 |work=businessInsider |date=21 December 2020 |language=en}}</ref>
Baxters was declared number six in the ''Scottish Grocer'' magazine's Scottish Brand Review for 2020.<ref>{{cite news |title=Top 50 Scottish Brands 2020: An extraordinary year {{!}} Scottish Grocer & Convenience Retailer |url=https://www.scottishgrocer.co.uk/2020/12/01/top-50-scottish-brands-2020-an-extraordinary-year/ |work=Scottish Grocer |date=30 November 2020}}</ref>
==Brands and products==
Alongside Baxter's own brand products, other products are sold under a variety of brands owned by, or [[Brand licensing|licensed]] to, the group.
===Baxters Food Group===
{{col-begin}}
{{col-break|width=33%}}
'''Audrey Baxter Signature Range'''
* Chutneys
* Conserves and Honeys
* Curds
* Jellies
* Marmalades
* Relishes
'''Baxters'''
* Soup Ranges
** Baxters Chef's Selections
** Baxters Favourites
** Baxters Hearty
** Baxters Vegetarian
* Condiments
** Baxters Beetroots
** Baxters Chutneys
** Baxters Deli Toppers
** Baxters Jams and Marmalades
** Baxters Onions
** Baxters Traditional Condiments
* Juice
** Baxters Beetroot Juice
* Ready Meals
** Baxters Meal Pots
{{col-break|width=33%}}
'''Fray Bentos'''
* Canned Foods
** Fray Bentos Pies
** Fray Bentos Deep Fill Pies
** Fray Bentos Meatballs
** Fray Bentos Meaty Puds
** Fray Bentos Puddings
* Ready Meals
** Fray Bentos Hunger Busters
'''Garners'''
* Garners Pickles
* Garners Chutneys
'''Jack Daniels'''
* Jack Daniels BBQ Sauces
'''Manor Vinegar'''
* Vinegar
'''Mary Berry'''
* Chutneys
* Salad Dressings
* Sauces and Condiments
{{col-break|width=33%}}
'''Peppadew'''
* Piquanté Peppers
* Roasted Red Peppers
'''Pizza Express'''
* Condiments
'''Simply Delicious'''
* Simply Delicious Sauces
* Simply Delicious Peppers
{{col-end}}
===Baxters Food Australia Pty Ltd.===
==Premises==
===Current===
====Manufacturing Sites====
* Fochabers, Moray, Scotland - The company's main manufacturing site is where it produces [[canning|canned]] [[soup]]s, jars of [[beetroot]], [[jam]]s and preserves. Around 700 staff are employed at this location.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/moray/918793/80-jobs-risk-baxters-look-cut-costs-fochabers/|title=Up to 80 jobs at risk as Baxters look to cut costs at Fochabers|last=Mackay|first=David|date=14 May 2016|website=Press and Journal|publisher=Aberdeen Journals Ltd.|access-date=17 May 2016}}</ref>
* Earls Colne, Colchester, Essex, England - Manufactures organic and non-organic condiments, mayonnaises, sauces, dressings, mustards and dips under the Simply Delicious brand.
* Wolsztyn, Poland - A 4,000 square metre purpose built factory constructed in 2007 to allow the onion pickling operation to transfer from Pershore, Worcestershire. Manufactures Garners range of pickled products.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Baxters insists new Polish plant will not hit jobs|url = http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12754312.Baxters_insists_new_Polish_plant_will_not_hit_jobs/|website = Herald Scotland|accessdate = 31 October 2015}}</ref>
[[File:Baxter's Visitor Centre - geograph.org.uk - 885610.jpg|thumb|Baxters Highland Village Visitor Centre (closed in February, 2021)]]
Baxters also have sales & marketing offices in [[Glasgow]], [[Scotland]] and [[Melbourne]], [[Australia]].
===Former===
* Pershore, Worcestershire, England - Acquired as part of the purchase of Garners Foods in 2001. The factory was closed with the loss of 23 jobs in 2006 when production was moved to Wolsztyn, Poland.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|title = Staff told: Your jobs are going to Poland (From News Shopper)|url = http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/bexley/7851474.print/|website = www.newsshopper.co.uk|accessdate = 31 October 2015}}</ref>
* [[Aberdeen Airport|Aberdeen International Airport]] - Shop opened in 2002 within landside part of the passenger terminal. Sold Baxters produce as well as Scottish themed gifts.
* Eaglesgate Retail Village, [[Blackford, Perth and Kinross|Blackford]], Perth and Kinross, Scotland - Shop and 250 seat restaurant opened in 2005 and functioned as Baxter's retail headquarters and distribution warehouse. Closed in February 2014 after the landlord sold the retail village forcing the closure of the Baxters premises. A suitable alternative location to operate the distribution hub from could not be found.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title = Closing time at Baxters|url = http://www.thesouthernreporter.co.uk/news/business/closing-time-at-baxters-1-3230155|website = www.thesouthernreporter.co.uk|accessdate = 31 October 2015|archive-date = 8 December 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151208143140/http://www.thesouthernreporter.co.uk/news/business/closing-time-at-baxters-1-3230155|url-status = dead}}</ref>
* Dunsdale Haugh, [[Selkirk, Scottish Borders|Selkirk]], Scottish Borders, Scotland -  £1million was spent transforming the vacant Selkirk Glass factory into an 8,300 square foot shop and restaurant in May 2008. Closed in February 2014 with the loss of 23 full-time and part-time jobs as a consequence of the Blackford site closing.<ref name=":0" />
* [[Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh|Ocean Terminal]], Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland - Lifestyle shop and 50 seat restaurant opened in October 2003.<ref name=":4" /> Closed in early 2014 as a consequence of the Blackford site closing.<ref name=":0" />
* [[Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec|Saint-Hyacinthe]], Quebec, Canada  - The original Canadian company was called Les Produits Freddy.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Information relative aux marques de commerce Canadienne|url = http://www.ic.gc.ca/app/opic-cipo/trdmrks/srch/vwTrdmrk.do;jsessionid=0001g9cFVOOJLsm3vbRhnsd_CYq:2SL5VUMUR2?lang=fra&fileNumber=498096}}</ref> In 2002 it became SoupExperts. It specialised in [[private label]] manufacturing and then expanded to make a range of Baxter's branded soups for the Canadian market.<ref name="foodchain-magazine1"/>
*Highland Village Visitor Centre, Fochabers, Moray, Scotland - Located adjacent to the Fochabers headquarters and manufacturing site the Highland Village in centred around George Baxter's original shop and includes an exhibition, restaurants, Mrs Baxter's Cook Shop selling cooking and kitchen items, Coat and Swagger shop selling clothing and the Baxters Gift Shop. It received over 200,000 visitors per annum. After being temporarily shut down on December 24, 2020 due to the [[coronavirus pandemic]], the complex was confirmed to be permanently closed in February, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mackay|first=David|title=Coronavirus: Future of Baxters Highland Village made 'untenable'|url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/moray/2863480/closure-talks-with-staff-after-future-of-baxters-highland-village-made-untenable-due-to-coronavirus-pandemic/|access-date=2021-05-06|website=Press and Journal|language=en-US}}</ref>
* Home Farm, [[Kelty]], Fife, Scotland -  Shop and coffee shop opened in 2008.
==Controversy==
===Health and safety===
A member of staff at Baxter's Fochabers manufacturing plant had to have his left foot amputated on-site after getting trapped in a vegetable [[Auger conveyor|auger]] during January 2014. The victim was trapped in the machine for an hour as emergency services, including two [[Orthopedic surgery|orthopaedic]] surgeons from [[Dr Gray's Hospital]] in [[Elgin, Moray|Elgin]] attempted to free him. He was later flown by air ambulance to [[Raigmore Hospital]] in Inverness. Following a [[Health and Safety Executive|Health and Safety Executive (HSE)]] investigation, [[Elgin Sheriff Court]] heard in October 2015 that an improvised method of pushing remaining vegetables into an auger was regularly used. Baxters management were not aware that staff regularly used a ladder to climb on to the conveyor then used a [[squeegee]] to push vegetables towards the auger. The victim was injured when his left foot slipped from the belt into the collection hopper and was pulled into the auger. Baxters was fined £60,000 for being in breach of the [[Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974]] after it was found that risk assessments in place at the time of the incident were not suitable or sufficient.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/moray/711385/food-giant-baxters-fined-60000-for-accident-which-saw-employee-lose-legs/|title = Food giant Baxters fined £60,000 for horrific injuries which saw employee lose his feet|date = 2 October 2015|accessdate = 2 November 2015|website = The Press and Journal|publisher = Aberdeen Journals Ltd.|last = Robertson|first = John}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Baxters fined after 'entirely avoidable' incident results in life-changing injuries|url = http://www.shponline.co.uk/baxters-fined-after-entirely-avoidable-incident-results-in-life-changing-injuries/|website = SHP Online|publisher = SHP Online / UBM EMEA|accessdate = 2 November 2015}}</ref>
Following an inspection in May 2015, Baxters was instructed by HSE to improve safety at its Fochabers manufacturing plant. HSE found that exposure to flour dust, which can lead to [[asthma]], was not controlled satisfactorily. Measures to reduce the risk of injury to staff during the loading of [[Meat grinder|meat mincers]] were also found to be inadequate. Baxters responded that it was working hard to rectify the matters raised.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Food giant Baxters warned to improve safety at Moray factory|url = http://news.stv.tv/north/1327360-scottish-food-giant-baxters-told-to-improve-safety-at-fochabers-factory/|website = STV News|accessdate = 2 November 2015|archive-date = 10 September 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150910151144/http://news.stv.tv/north/1327360-scottish-food-giant-baxters-told-to-improve-safety-at-fochabers-factory/|url-status = dead}}</ref>
Baxters was fined £6,000 at Elgin Sheriff Court in May 2015 after admitting breaches to health and safety legislation which led to a member of staff suffering a hand injury during an accident involving a conveyor belt. The incident at the Fochabers plant was investigated by HSE after it was reported by Baxters.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/moray/572602/world-famous-baxters-fined-over-health-and-safety-breach/|title = World-famous Baxters fined over health and safety breach|date = 10 May 2015|accessdate = 2 November 2015|website = The Press and Journal|publisher = Aberdeen Journals Ltd|last = Robertson|first = John}}</ref>
In September 2016, Baxters was fined £70,000 when the company pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety regulations in relation to an accident in March 2015 when an employee's hand was mutilated in a packaging machine at the company's Fochabers plant. An alarm indicating that the machine was about to start was faulty and Baxters had failed to act on an improvement notice issued by HSE twelve months earlier, which if acted upon could have prevented the incident.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/Regulation/Soup-firm-fined-for-health-and-safety-failings|title=Baxters fined £70k after worker mutilates hand|work=FoodManufacture.co.uk|access-date=5 October 2016}}</ref>
===Industrial relations===
It was reported in October 2014 by local newspapers that staff working in the soup factory at Baxter's Fochabers plant staged a three-hour [[Strike action|strike]] in a dispute with management about new working and pay conditions.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/business/north-of-scotland/371044/baxters-staff-in-dispute-over-pay-conditions/|title = Baxters staff in dispute over pay conditions|date = 14 October 2014|accessdate = 2 November 2015|website = The Press and Journal|publisher = Aberdeen Journals Ltd.|last = Mackenzie|first = Ruth}}</ref>
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
==External links==
* [https://www.baxters.com Official website]
{{Authority control}}
[[Category:Companies based in Moray]]
[[Category:Food manufacturers of Scotland]]
[[Category:Food and drink companies of Scotland]]
[[Category:British royal warrant holders]]
[[Category:Brand name soups]]
[[Category:1868 establishments in Scotland]]
[[Category:Food and drink companies established in 1868]]
[[Category:Restaurants in Scotland]]
[[Category:Retail companies of Scotland]]
[[Category:British companies established in 1868]]
[[Category:Manufacturing companies established in 1868]]
[[Category:Condiment companies of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Family-owned companies of Scotland]]
[[Category:Scottish brands]]