Mustard-making legacy grows with £5m mill expansion

The legacy of mustard-making in Norfolk is to be protected with a £5m investment in a city mill - to help meet growing demand at home and abroad.

Condimentum, based at the Food Enterprise Park in Easton near Norwich, is the only site in Europe able to produce superfine mustard flour in traditional recipes.

The history of Colman's Mustard production in Norfolk dates back to 1854 with production ending at the Carrow site in 2020 after more than 160 years.

Jonathan Mason, head of commercial at the firm, said: "I have never worked anywhere where the brand has been so important. When you go to the farmers... they'll have all their Colman's mementoes on show."

He added: "From a business perspective we have seen great growth, particularly in our prepared mustard production, which is where we take the mustard that is grown and produced here locally and turn that into your English, American, wholegrain and Dijon.

"You name it, we produce it."

The company produces the raw material for the "iconic" Colman's mustard brand - as well as mint condiments between May and September.

"This region has 150 plus years of experience of growing mustard and producing the highest quality mustard in the world," Mason added.

"It's really important we remained in Norfolk, really important we were able to secure a number of those jobs continuing when the old factory closed - and proud to continue that tradition of producing mustard in this region."

Unilever announced the closure of the Carrow site in 2018 and the last jar rolled off the production line in 2019.

Working alongside farmers, Mason said the company was "very proud" to have a relationship with the Colman's brand and grow mustard for them.

He said that last year was "tough" for farmers but hoped the company could help the local agricultural industry for future generations.

"Hats off to them," he said.

"I can't imagine waking up in the morning, drawing the curtains - and your whole day being upon what's coming out of the sky.

"It's completely underappreciated how much of what we produce in this region in particular ends up in such a wide range of products we all pick up in the supermarket."

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