The Sarson’s Story

Our history starts in 1794, when we first started making vinegar. Today, we make six million litres of Sarson’s vinegar every year.

  1. 1794

    Sarson’s Vinegar was founded by Thomas Sarson in Craven Street, London.

  2. 1850

    Henry James Sarson takes over from his father.

  3. 1884

    Sarson’s Virgin Vinegar is formally registered, inspired by the parable of the wise and foolish virgins!

  4. 1913

    More than a million gallons a year were brewed, increasing to over five million gallons a year by 1950.

  5. 1940s

    The 20th century was the golden age of vinegar. 65 licensed breweries existed in the UK. However, by 1940, only Sarson’s remained.

  6. 1950s

    In the late 1950s, Sarson’s Virgin Vinegar rebranded to Sarson’s Vinegar.

  7. 1968

    British Vinegars Ltd buys the current Middleton site from Co-Op. Nestle takes over British Vinegar Ltd.

  8. 1990

    The tear drop bottle project started in 1989, This unique glass table bottle was introduced and the brand’s first TV adverts were aired. The 400ml malt glass table bottle was introduced in 1993.


  9. 2002

    Premier Foods buys the Sarson’s brand.

  10. 2012

    Mizkan buys the brand from Premier Foods. It’s now worth over £10 million and making six million litres of vinegar!