Our History

1921

Origins in Covent Garden

Underwood & Barker Ltd is founded at Monmouth Street in Covent Garden as a manufacturing chemist. The company creates essences, flavourings and perfumery for London hotels—scenting air systems long before air conditioning existed.

1946

A New Steward, A New Start

After the war, Felix Rothon worked for a company called Drake-Law Laboratories. Tough times followed in the Post-war years and using his redundancy funds, he acquired Underwood & Barker with nothing but a car and determination, he sets about building a strong business.

1947

The ‘Custard King’ Era

Felix’s daily train journeys from Billericay to London see Felix see him carry a distinct vanilla scent with him, earning him the nickname “Custard King.” from his fellow commuters!

1948

From Covent Garden to Billericay

Felix moves production to a small modular factory in Billericay — the first of its kind built from interlocking brick panels. Chemist Bill McGee relocates and begins developing the core flavour range.

Mid 1950's

Unbar Rothon continues to emerge

The company continues to grow as members of Felix's family come along to join the emerging business. He is joined by his sister Dulcie (accounts) and brother Roy (deliveries) along with his wife Joan (office)

Late 1950's

Putting customers first

Deliveries were then being carried out by our eye-catching vehicles; an Austin Somerset and a striking Red Commer van. Our goal was bringing flavours to customers across the South East of England.

1959

Collaboration with our pioneer customers

Arthur Lock and Felix were onsite with Phillip Lockwood at the new Lockwood factory when the first boiler was delivered, and the company went on to develop the flavours behind all the nations private lable and own label baked beans.

1960's

From Perfumery to Pantry

Demand for food flavourings begins to outpace perfumery products. Unbar Rothon now supplies mint essence for Britain’s canned peas and potatoes creating, and further developing the signature flavour profiles behind the nation’s baked beans.

Late 1960s into the Early 1970s

The next generation join the fold

Bill Rothon (left) joins the business in 1966 after completing his Food Science degree. His younger brother Patrick (right) arrives in 1971 having been employed by Marconi as an instrument manufacturer. Together with their father Felix (centre) their hands-on technical support for canneries and processors becomes a defining strength in growing the business and its relationships.

Mid 1970s

Be part of the solution

The company continue to expand, seeking new markets and the family business gain a well established reputation within the industry for quality

6 October 1978

Becoming Unbar Rothon

Following 30 years of Rothon ownership, Felix Rothon decided the time was right to change from Underwood & Barker to Unbar Rothon. The “Unbar” prefix (Underwood + Barker) is retained, while adding the distinctive family name cements a new identity.

1980

Expansion at Radford Crescent

The company purchases 15 Radford Crescent from GEC Estates to solve warehousing bottlenecks, marking its first major growth phase. Seasoning and packing services move into the new facility at No. 7 Radford Crescent.

13th Nov 1985

Colin Mossman, joins the Unbar Rothon team

Colin was an existing customer of Unbar Rothon at the time running a successful manufacturing site in Chelmsford. Felix Rothon invited him to join the business.

Following is appointment.  Unbar Rothon's range of sausage seasonings begins to expand rapidly utilising his specialist knowledge of manufacturing processes.

The service provided becomes legendary, focussed on reducing lead time to support its customers. Colin's experience was called into action on occasions going out on the road to support customer's challenges.

1986

Digital Transformation

From the introduction of Apricot Xi computers to networked systems, the business modernises its back office without losing its personal touch, as the world moves into the Digital era.

1988

Unbar Rothon receives a Rebranding

Designer Wayne Boughen and his wife Pi who personally designed the laurel leaves seen in the new design of the company logo. This introduces campaigns such as “Best of British” and “Success on Your Plate.”

21st October 1991

Unbar Rothon being presented with certification of their 5750 standard under BSI. Pictured (L-R) are Patrick Rothon, Patricia Rawlings MEP, Bill Rothon, Felix Rothon.

1990s

Exporting is the ‘Icing on the Cake’

Exports grow to a quarter of turnover, supplying Malta, Africa and Italian canneries serving UK retail. The core focus remains home-trade food manufacturing.

June 1992

Dawn Hardy joins the team

Unbar Rothon's team are further booster by the introduction of Dawn Hardy to the business.

A former Tate & Lyle employee her skills are soon put to good use, applying her experience to ensuring compliance and the highest levels of technical accreditation which are demanded by ever-growing needs of the customers.

Late 1990's

The Red jacket Gimmick

Colin never set out to have a gimmick – but Mr Rothon always said you needed one.

In Colin’s case, it turned out to be his bright red (and sometimes green) jacket.

On more than one occasion, café staff assumed he was a coach driver and asked how many passengers he’d brought in. At a motorway service station, he was asked for his ticket – because surely anyone dressed like that must be driving a bus or lorry.

1996

A New Home at 2–4 Radford Crescent

Unbar Rothon acquires the former Littlejohn’s (Hunter Penrose) engineering site.

Felix lives to see the move across to the modern factory.

Feb 1997

Passing of Felix Rothon

Sadly, one of the most respected figures in the industry, Felix passes away on XX of February 1997 after more than 50 years involved with the business. Bill and Patrick then take over running of the business.

The picture shown is a charcoal drawing made by Elana Cano, wife of Jesus Cano from their villa in Murcia Spain. Jesus and Elana are long-established customers and friends.

Feb 1999

Our first BRC Certification

The recently introduced BRC certification covering Food Manufacturing is introduced in 1998 and Unbar Rothon quickly establish their accreditation under the new authority.

Always keen to ensure that it maintains the highest possible standards, Unbar Rothon is now proud to boast its AA Grade status

2000's

Resilience and Reform

Changes within the industry on technical requirements see Unbar Rothon introducing rigorous testing and traceability standards—building the robust quality systems seen today.

2006

Third Generation of the Rothon family

Richard Rothon, grandson of Felix joins the business. The fundamental principle Felix helps develop the Billericay industrial estate himself. Deals are done on handshakes—his phrase “An Englishman’s word is his bond” still defines the company ethic.

2008

Proud to be represented on Campden BRI MIG group

Unbar Rothon are selected with Dawn Hardy acting as Vice Chair and then Chair of the MIG (Members Interest Group) for Campden BRI in the Meat & Poultry category. Campden have had a long established relationship with Unbar Rothon stretching back more than 80 years and through Dawn's expertise to help drive the interests of members within the food industry.

May 2012

Strengthening our relationships across the Globe

In May 2012, we were delighted to be invited to meet with some of our existing partners across Europe on a mission to bring us closer together. In particular, our partners in Italy and Malta hosted some fantastic meetings offering us more ways to provide solutions which we have continued to build upon to this day.

November 2024

Recognition for a career in Food Manufacturing

Dawn is nominated for her work in the Meat Businesswoman Award category recognising her efforts in the industry over several decades.

Today

The business continues to thrive as it embraces modern day business practices alongside its reputation as one of the countries leading seasoning houses.

Changes in technology and technical requirements mean that Unbar Rothon fulfils the role as a partner for its long-standing customers in a challenging marketplace