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‘Colman’s of Burton’ - MP calls for Norwich to be wiped from mustard jars when factory moves to Staffordshire
A tin of Colman's Mustard, famously produced at the Carrow Works site on Bracondale since 1858. Picture: Archant. - Credit: Matthew Usher
It is a link which stretches back more than 160 years, with many from Norfolk proud to see Norwich emblazoned on Colman's Mustard.
Andrew Griffiths MP, in his role as chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group. - Credit: Archant
But after the closure of the Colman's factory was announced on Thursday, the MP for its new production site has called for the city's name to be scrapped from the brand.
Unilever, which owns the Carrow Works site where Colman's is processed, said after the closure around 43 roles would be moved to Burton-on-Trent.
The news prompted Burton MP Andrew Griffiths to call for jars to ditch the famous Colman's of Norwich branding, and instead replace it with Colman's of Burton.
MORE: Mint and mustard growers will preserve historic supply lines to Colman's in Norwich
Carrow Works site. Photo: Bill Smith - Credit: Bill Smith - Archant
The Burton Mail reported Conservative Mr Griffiths felt it would 'only be fit and proper' to have 'Made in Burton-on-Trent' on Colman's mustard jars - when the move to the town in 2019 goes ahead.
He told the newspaper: 'The most important thing is the new jobs which would be created by the relocation.
'Burton already appears on labels around the world, on the many beers brewed in the town and on Marmite.
MORE: Norwich Colman's Mustard factory to close with production moving out of Norfolk
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'It would only be fit and proper to have 'Made in Burton on Trent' on the mustard labels, if indeed it will be made here.
'I am in contact with Unilever to talk about the move and will be talking about exactly this.'
But speaking on Thursday Unilever vice president of supply chain, Jon Strachan, said the Colman's of Norwich branding would remain.
Colman's Mustard has been manufactured at Carrow Works on Bracondale since 1858. Sir Timothy Colman, great-grandson of Jeremiah James Colman, who brought the factory to Norwich, described the news as 'very sad indeed'.
MORE: Colman's departure will break a Norwich factory link dating back 160 years
The announcement comes less than a month after Britvic confirmed its factory, which is also at the Carrow Works site, was also closing.
Its plant, which produces Robinsons and Fruit Shoot, is due to shut in 2019, with manufacturing moving to Rugby, east London and Leeds.
The combined closures will result in a loss of 343 jobs in Norwich.
While the factory will close, he said the creation of a new milling facility will maintain the historic link between Norwich and the Colman's brand.
