In 1883 C.H. Knorr built a factory in Heilbronn, for the purpose of drying and grinding chocory for the coffee trade. With the spread of industrialization, C.H. Knorr realized the need for a quickly prepared and nutritious meal among factory workers. He started experimenting with drying vegetables and flavourful seasonings. in cooperation with nutritional experts he developed a preservation process to maintain the natural values of the ingredients and their flavours and also reduce their cooking times. This knowledge is the basis for the development of the dried soups.

 

KOO was established in 1940 and is one of the leading brands in South Africa and is currently the market leader in most canned food sectors in which it competes, such as baked beans, fruit and vegetables. KOO has been voted in the top five as one of SA best food brand judged according to awareness and in the 2005 Top Brand Survey KOO was voted SA 4th most favourite brand and this year it was voted SA 3rd top brand. KOO has for 65 years offered South African consumers high quality products that have helped them create mouthwatering meals for their families and has through innovation managed to ensure that it remains a relevant brand. The brand is very much a household name for South African consumers, consumers perceive KOO as the brand that offers them high quality at an affordable price. "I can afford to feed my family every day with KOO."

 

Black Cat Peanut Butter was launched in 1926, and is one of South Africa's most popular brands - a firm favourite with families everywhere. The peanut is unusual, because it flowers above the ground, but fruits below the ground. One acre of peanuts will make 30,000 peanut butter sandwiches