Edmonds Celebrates 125 Years of Baking

Friday October 22, 2004

Edmonds Celebrates 125 Years of Baking

in New Zealand!

Put on your apron, flour the rolling pin, line the baking trays and pre-heat the oven...

Iconic household brand, Edmonds, is celebrating 125 years of home baking in New Zealand on the anniversary of the invention of Edmonds Baking Powder in 1879.

Edmonds is even part of New Zealand's industrial and political heritage; during the depression its Christchurch factory was the first to introduce a 40 hour / five day working week.

"Edmonds is as loved by New Zealanders today as it was in the 1800s providing an extensive range of products for all baking needs," says Monique Farrell, Marketing Manager of Edmonds.

"This is a very special celebration for us. There aren't many New Zealand companies that can claim to be 125 years old. Edmonds is a true heritage Kiwi brand," she says.

Edmonds Baking Powder is 'Sure to Rise'

Edmonds baking powder was invented by English grocer, Thomas Edmonds, in 1879 in Lyttelton after New Zealand women complained that the imported variety of baking powder gave variable results.

As his grocery business was experiencing a slump in sales he tried his hand at inventing a New Zealand made baking powder, following previous experiments with sherbert.

125 years later, Edmonds Baking Powder is an institution, a reliable product to make cakes rise.

Edmonds recorded for prosperity the very incident that solved the problem: when asked by a disgruntled customer whether her scones would perform any better with this new baking powder, a confident Edmonds replied they were "sure to rise".

Inspired by his claim he decided upon the distinctive rising-sun-with cakes trademark. 'Sure to Rise' remains one of New Zealand's most durable, colourful and recognisable trademarks.

Edmonds Cookery Book - Biggest Selling Book in NZ History

The very first Edmonds Cookery Book was published in 1907 featuring a collection of 'economical and everyday' recipes. Its phenomenal success continues and it is still the essential item in nearly every New Zealand kitchen with many of the original recipes now firmly part of our cooking tradition. It is the biggest selling book ever published in this country with sales reaching over 3.5 million.

A special 125th Anniversary edition of Edmonds Cook Book is now available in store.

Edmonds Heritage Scholarship Announced

In honor of its 125th Anniversary, the Edmonds Heritage Scholarship will be awarded to a deserving applicant to continue their study within the heritage field.

Christchurch retains strong and affectionate ties to Edmonds through Thomas and Jane Edmonds' legacy of the 'Sure To Rise' empire but also the philanthropic legacy of buildings and parks that were bequeathed to the people of Christchurch during their lifetime. The Edmonds Factory Gardens, Telephone Cabinet, Clock Tower and Band Rotunda which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year are significant contributions made to Christchurch by the Edmonds family to celebrate their success in Christchurch.

"The Edmonds Heritage Scholarship will be awarded to a deserving applicant to continue their study within the heritage field," says Monique Farrell, Marketing Manager, Edmonds.

New Mixes Launched for Modern Baking

Edmonds has introduced exciting new recipes inspired by the Edmonds Cookery Book including: ginger crunch slice, chocolate peppermint slice, afghan cookies, chocolate chip cookies and French vanilla cake.

Contemporary packaging has also been launched and some of the old favourites are now even tastier. The range includes: chocolate and moist orange cake, chocolate fudge brownie, apple & sultana muffins, mixed berry muffins and chocolate chip muffins, chocolate cupcakes, chocolate sponge pudding, continental cheesecake and pancake/pikelet & hotcake mix.

ENDS

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