Bisto
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Bisto is a well-known brand of traditional British foods in the United Kingdom, probably most famous for its traditional range of gravy.
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[edit] History
The very first Bisto product, in 1908, was a meat flavoured gravy powder, which rapidly became a bestseller in the UK as it was added to customers' own gravies to give a distinct rich taste and aroma. Invented by Messrs Roberts & Patterson, it was named "Bisto" because it "Browns, Seasons and Thickens in One"
In 1979 Bisto Granules were launched, which for the first time gave the convenience of a granule format which instantly dissolved in hot water to make a gravy. This capitalised on the move towards convenience food, and Bisto Gravy Granules now dominate the market with a share of over 70% (ACNielsen Total Grocers MAT 2005).
The Bisto brand has 100% distribution, meaning that every grocery outlet in the UK is likely to have Bisto on its shelves. (AC Neilson Total Grocers MAT 2005).
[edit] Flavours
The famous red packets are the "Favourite" flavour, which has a beef flavour (although it contains no beef these days - in fact it is suitable for vegetarians), but Bisto also comes in varieties to accompany chicken, turkey, lamb and other meats.
In 1991, Bisto launched a new, more expensive beef granule. Packaged in a glass jar, it offered a fuller flavour than the standard granule. Fuller flavour chicken and onion variants were added in 1993, and the whole range was relaunched as Bisto Best.
More recently, a ready made Bisto "Heat And Pour" gravy has been available in Beef and Chicken flavours. This comes packed in plastic pouch, which is just heated.
In 2004/5 Bisto made the move into chilled and frozen products and launched Bisto Roast Potatoes, Bisto Crispies, Bisto Yorkshire Puddings and Bisto Frozen Mashed Topped Pies. All the products are infused with Bisto flavour.
Bisto also makes a range of sauces, including white sauce, curry and parsley sauce in granules, and a range of casserole sauces in glass jars.
[edit] Advertising
In 1919 the Bisto Kids (created by cartoonist Wilf Owen) were launched and soon became cult figures. Bisto is notable both for the age of the brand itself and the advertising campaigns it has used. Many people still instantly recognise the Bisto Kids, a boy and girl in ragged clothes catching a waft of the smell of Bisto and saying "Aah, Bisto", although they have not figured in advertising for Bisto for some years. The 'Bisto family' formed an important part of many more recent advertising campaigns, with apparent storylines and character development.
[edit] Ownership
Having been passed between several owners since its creation, Bisto is currently owned by Rank Hovis McDougall, a UK food group whose other brands include Sharwoods, Hovis and Robertsons.
