About Geo Watkins
Geo Watkins represents nearly 200 years of traditional British condiment craftsmanship. Founded in 1830 by George Watkins, a Quaker grocer who established his business on Oxford Street in London, the company became the secret weapon of Victorian cooks creating steak and kidney pies, puddings, roast meats, and rich sauces. The Watkins family business flourished throughout the 19th century, becoming renowned for Winchester Sauce in the 1860s and Digestive Relish pickle from the 1870s onwards. By 1870, the prestigious Crosse & Blackwell distributed Geo Watkins products to export markets, testament to the brand's quality reputation. The company was based in Kentish Town and later Camden Town during its Victorian heyday. After a period of dormancy following difficult trading conditions in the 1920s, the brand was revived in 1985 by G Costa & Co of Aylesford, Kent (known for Blue Dragon oriental sauces), who relaunched Geo Watkins as a range of traditional English sauces. In 2003, G Costa was acquired by Associated British Foods, bringing Geo Watkins into the same portfolio as Patak's and Levi Roots. Today, Geo Watkins holds a unique position as the only remaining national producer of mushroom ketchup in Britain—a traditional condiment with roots predating tomato ketchup. Their anchovy sauce remains equally celebrated, continuing the brand's legacy of providing authentic Victorian-era flavours to modern kitchens.