Stork

Since its launch in 1920, Stork spread has established itself as one of the most trusted names for home baking – dominating the baking sector in the UK & Ireland.

How it all started

Margarine was discovered in 1869 by a French food research chemist called Mege Mouries. Louis Napoleon III offered a reward for anyone who could produce an acceptable alternative to butter that was affordable for those who did not live off the land. Whilst Mege patented the concept in 1869 and expanded his initial manufacturing operation from France, he had little commercial success. In 1871, Mouries sold his know-how to Jurgens, now part of Unilever.

Stork was first introduced as a branded margarine in the 1920. In the 1930's, Stork taste tests began on Radio Lyons. Advertising campaigns included "The Energy Giver" to dispel thoughts that margarine was unhealthy. The Stork Cookery Service was launched in 1939 to help housewives discover cooking with margarine when food rationing began.

Rationing ended in 1954 and the Stork name reappeared. The first edition of the Art of Home Cooking was produced and the first Stork TV ads were shown in 1955.

Stork soft tub margarine was introduced in the 1970s. It pioneered the all-in-one method of making sponge cakes. TV advertising featured Bruce Forsyth and TV taste tests were fronted by the late Leslie Crowther.

In the 1990s Stork became a founder member of the "Get Britain Baking" campaign, designed to encourage more people to take up home baking. In 1995, the brand celebrated its 75th birthday.

Did you know?

Stork in a tub is ideal for everyday cakes and scones
Stork in a foil wrapper is best for pastry and shallow frying
Stork spread has maintained an important tradition through adding vitamins A and D to the diet.
Sometime during the Second World War, a lorry carrying Stork margarine overturned into a field on the A531 near Heighley in Madeley, Staffordshire. People came from miles around to try and salvage some of the margarine – understandable given war rationing. The corner is known thereafter as Margarine Corner.

For more information on Stork spread ring our customer careline free on 0800 454050 in the UK and on 1850 409608 in Ireland.