SPC offloads heritage jam

ONE of the nation’s most popular jams is firmly back in Australian hands after fruit packing giant SPC sold IXL Jam and Taylor’s Marinade and Sauces to Kyabram Conserves.

The deal will see its new owners continue to process IXL and Taylor’s from their factory in the famed Goulburn Valley region in Victoria. Its 50 employees will also stay.

Founded in Hobart by Henry Jones in 1891, IXL is the second highest selling jam brand in Australia behind the Heinz-owned Cottee’s.

Its name comes from Mr Jones’ personal motto: “I excel in everything I do”.

SPC announced it would be divesting the IXL brand, along with Taylor’s sauces, in January. It bought IXL from US company JM Smucker in 2004.

In a statement yesterday, the food company’s head Reg Weine said IXL and Taylor’s are “great brands” but the spreads, sauces and marinades market was only “a small part of the SPC portfolio”.

“It was better we focused on areas where we have a more distinct competitive advantage,” Mr Weine said.