Simply shake over chips and other food
to enjoy the distinctive taste of Sarson's
Haywards Pickled Vegetables
Haywards has been producing the UK’s favourite pickled vegetables since 1868.
Mizkan Bringing Flavour to Life
Pioneering creativity has been at the heart of the Mizkan story since 1804, when sake brewer Matazaemon I, began experimenting with making vinegar with the lees leftoverfrom sake brewing to create a unique, harmonious balance of taste, tang and aroma. Eight generations on, the Nakano family continues to craft the sweet sake vinegars, rich in umami and other authentic Japanese seasonings to make each dish the very best it can be.
Our Brands
Branston
Crosse & Blackwell first produced Branston Pickle in 1922. This classic British product is still made using the same secret recipe and traditional methods today.
Haywards has been producing the UK’s favourite pickled vegetables since 1868. The Haywards portfolio includes Pickled Onions, Mixed Pickles and Piccalilli.
In Japan, having vinegar daily is a habit handed down through the generations for centuries. With this in mind, and inspired by the Japanese way of life, OSU’s mission is to support small daily rituals to positively inspire long-term wellbeing.
Vinegar is first mentioned in literature, originally made from date palm or raisin
4th century
Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine notes the antibacterial effect of vinegar and uses it to treat
respiratory diseases, skin disease and coughs
11th century
Balsamic vinegar is first produced in Italy
1603-1868
The first sushi ‘nare-zushi’, is introduced in Edo (the old name for Tokyo).
1799
Yohei Hanaya, the creator of Nigiri-sushi, is born in Fukui Prefecture
1804
Company Established
Matazaemon Nakano, a Japanese sake producer, has the idea of brewing vinegar from sake lees (a by-product of
Japanese sake brewing)
1811
The Mizkan Handa Plant begins operation
1842
The Birth of “Yamabuki”
‘Yamabuki’, a premium rice vinegar is introduced
1887
“Mizkan Logo” Registered
The famous Mizkan mark is derived from Matazaemon Nakano IV's family crest.
1895
The Manor Vinegar Brewery (later to be bought by Mizkan), is established in Lozells, a suburb of Birmingham,
England, in an old beer brewery.
1896
Mizkan begins to export from Japan to the U.S
1942
Nakano Biochemical Research Centre (now the Central Research Institute) Opened
1950s
The Manor Vinegar Brewery moves premises to Burntwood, Staffs
1954
Vinegar Bottling Began
1964
“Ajipon” was Introduced
1968
“Pure Food Campaign”
1971
“Beyond Vinegar Strategy”
Originally dubbed the “Non-Vinegar Product Strategy”, calls for efforts to increase vinegar sales while further
developing non-vinegar products
1978
Research Center Received Agricultural Chemistry Technology Award
1979
“Honteri” is Introduced in Japan
The ease of use and availability of this mirin sweet seasoning met the needs of consumers perfectly.
1981
Major U.S. Vinegar Manufacturer “American Industries Co.” Acquired
1986
“SU-no-SATO” Japan’s First Comprehensive Vinegar Museum Opens.
1988
“Tsuyu” was Introduced in Japan
Mizkan’s “Tsuyu” soup base, is introduced in Japan Sourced from the Group History in the Mizkan Group Company
Profile.
1990
“Gomoku Chirashi” a ready-to-use pouch-packed chirashi sushi mixture is introduced in Japan.
1992
New Headquarter Building Completed
The New Mizkan Headquarter Building is completed in the city of Handa, Japan.
1994
Mizkan Rice Vinegar is launched into the UK and Europe
1998
Nakano Europe Ltd. is established in Europe, initially selling imported Mizkan rice vinegar and seasoned rice
vinegar
2002
Mizkan Group Corporation purchases Manor Vinegar Ltd. Nakano Europe Ltd begins to run the UK and European
operation from its offices in Burntwood, Staffordshire. Mizkan acquires the Manor Vinegar Brewery from Greencore
PLC.
2003
Kazuhide Matazaemon Nakano VIII takes over at the helmhelm of Mizkan
2004
Adoption of New Group Vision and Group Vision Symbol
Nakano Europe Ltd changes its name to Mizkan UK Ltd. Mizkan Asia Pacific Pte.Ltd is established. Mizkan adopts a
new corporate symbol
2005
Mizkan Rice Vinegars becomes widely available in UK supermarkets
2007
Mizkan donates three tonnes of wood to rebuild the famous 19th Century ship, the Cutty Sark, after having been
badly damaged in a fire.
2010
Mizkan UK Ltd changes its name to Mizkan Europe Ltd.
2012
Nakano UK Vinegar is established and acquires the strong and iconic vinegar brands Sarson’s and Dufrais as well as
the beloved pickles brand Haywards and its production facilities from Premier Foods PLC and continues to develop
its business foundation for further growth in the UK.
2013
Nakano UK Vinegar acquires the Branston brand, spanning sweet pickles, relishes and table sauces.
Nakano UK Vinegar purchases Mizkan Europe Ltd, consolidating the two companies.
2014
Mizkan Europe Ltd, changes its name to Mizkan Euro Ltd.
