A. M. Bickford and Sons was one of the first manufacturing chemists in
South Australia
South Australia (commonly abbreviated as SA) is a States and territories of Australia, state in the southern central part of Australia. With a total land area of , it is the fourth-largest of Australia's states and territories by area, which in ...
. Until 1930, it was one of the State's most significant family-owned companies. In 1930, they amalgamated with half a dozen other similar Australian companies to form "Drug Houses of Australia" (DHA), which continued to produce "A. M. Bickford and Sons" products: "drugs" and "chemicals" under the DHA brand; and cordials and soft drinks under the "A. M. Bickford and Sons" brand.
In the late 1960s, DHA became the target of a
corporate raid
In business, a corporate raid is the process of buying a large stake in a corporation and then using shareholder voting rights to require the company to undertake novel measures designed to increase the share value, generally in opposition to t ...
er and asset stripper. By the mid-1970s DHA had collapsed under the burden of servicing the imposed level of debt. What was left was split up and sold. Reckitt & Colman acquired the major "drugs" and "chemicals" product and brands, while other parts of the company were acquired by others. Melburnian Peter Abbott purchased the pharmacy products,
eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil is the generic name for distilled oil from the leaves of ''Eucalyptus'', a genus of the plant family Myrtaceae, mostly native to Australia but cultivated worldwide. Eucalyptus oil has a history of wide application, as a pharmace ...
operations, and soft drink products. The pharmacy products were on-sold; the eucalyptus oil operations were incorporated into "FGB" (Felton Grimwade & Bickford). The soft drink products continued under the revived "A. M. Bickford and Sons" brand. In the late 1980s, FGB decided to concentrate on their "core businesses" under the FGB brand, and sold the soft drink businesses and the Bickford brand names, which by this stage had been established for over a century. The history of the Bickford's products and company names between 1987 and 1999 is not clear.
In 1999 the soft drink business and company names were purchased by the Kotses family. "Bickford's" once again became a South Australian family-owned business, known for its range of cordials and flavourings. These are made today by Bickford's Australia.
Foundation & establishment (1839–1864)
William Bickford (1815–1850)
William Bickford (18 August 1815 – 11 September 1850) was the seventh child (of fourteen) of a well-to-do couple of West Alvington of
Devon
Devon ( ; historically also known as Devonshire , ) is a ceremonial county in South West England. It is bordered by the Bristol Channel to the north, Somerset and Dorset to the east, the English Channel to the south, and Cornwall to the west ...
, England. When Bickford's father died, the greater part of his fortune went to his eldest son by an earlier marriage. William's family was provided for, but had to work to secure their future. For the fifteen-year-old William, that meant taking an apprenticeship to Mr Buxton, a druggist.Scales, Marjorie ''An Alchemist's Dream'' pub. Ronald F. Bickford 1990
In September 1838, aged 23, the chemist's assistant left England from
Plymouth
Plymouth ( ) is a port city status in the United Kingdom, city and unitary authority in Devon, South West England. It is located on Devon's south coast between the rivers River Plym, Plym and River Tamar, Tamar, about southwest of Exeter and ...
, rounded the Cape of Good Hope in December,The letters of William Bickford to his relatives in England in the period 1838–1850, Archives of the State Library of South Australia. (Click on the "Archival items" tab for a list of the letters.) and arrived in
Port Adelaide
Port Adelaide is a port-side region of Adelaide, approximately northwest of the Adelaide city centre, Adelaide CBD. It is also the namesake of the City of Port Adelaide Enfield council, a suburb, a federal and state electoral division and is t ...
on 15 February 1839 on the barque ''Platina''. Though he aspired to become a shepherd in South Australia, soon after his arrival he began working as assistant in the dispensary attached to the North Terrace surgery of one Dr Bright at a salary of 40/- (£2) a week with board and lodging provided. On 18 August 1839, his 24th birthday, he married Ann Margaret Garrett, whom he had met on the trip from
Portsmouth
Portsmouth ( ) is a port city status in the United Kingdom, city and unitary authority in Hampshire, England. Most of Portsmouth is located on Portsea Island, off the south coast of England in the Solent, making Portsmouth the only city in En ...
.Adelaide's first chemist The Letters of William Bickford, ''The Register'', Saturday 13 June 1925, pg.7. Retrieved 30 January 2011 William was a diligent letter writer; a collection of his letters was found in a deed box in the 1920s, and they were placed in the archives of the State Library of South Australia. A two part article summarising their contents appeared in ''The Register'', part I on Saturday 13 June 1925, part II the following Saturday. They were soon expecting their first child, but it died shortly after birth on 6 June 1840, and Ann was seriously ill for some time. In March 1840, William wrote that Dr and Mrs Bright had left the colony for New Zealand, (leaving William to deal with his creditors), and that he had secured another position as manager of a retail shop and dispensary owned by a partnership of two surgeons, at a salary of £3 per week.
Despite an economic downturn in the colony, his business thrived. He left the security of the dispensary and by September 1840 had opened his own shop in Hindley Street near Rosina Street with borrowed capital of £220. It, too, prospered, and soon he moved into larger premises at 67 Hindley Street opposite Club Lane.Mr Harding Bickford ''The Advertiser'' 31 March 1898 p.6 accessed 31 January 2011 Harding William Bickford (1877–1919) was the youngest son of Harry (1843–1927) ''The article reports on "A Valedictory Social" held for Mr Harding Bickford prior to his departure for England to "improve his knowledge of pharmacy". The gathering was presided over by Mr William Bickford (jr. – his uncle), who provided a summary of the history of the company, its key personnel, its locations and its business.'' As business flourished, the wholesale lines became the larger part of the firm's business.
In April 1841 he wrote "Business is going on prosperously, and I have a comfortable home at my own fire side and a good wife, who studies my interest in every respect". Ann was very supportive of her husband and was able to keep his shop running during any forced absence, jury duty for instance. Their first son, William, was born on 19 November 1841, followed by Harry in February 1843, and Elizabeth in November 1844. In December 1845 they lost a baby, (Eulalia), so William decided to move his family away from the unsanitary conditions of the city. He purchased 16 acres (6.4 ha) of land at Glen Osmond, "just 3 miles from the
Adelaide city centre
Adelaide city centre () is the inner city locality of Adelaide, Greater Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia. It is known by locals simply as "the City" or "Town" to distinguish it from Greater Adelaide and from the City of Adelaide l ...
", and in the winter of 1846 built a house, later to be called " Benacre", moving the family there before the onset of the next summer. He commuted daily to his business in the city. They lost another baby, (James), in 1848, but Edward was born in 1849.
William was concerned with the development of Adelaide. In 1847 he was one of the founders of the South Australian Institute (alongside others, including a business competitor Francis Faulding).
In February 1850, William wrote that he had established a garden and had planted fruit trees and vines. However, he did not live to enjoy the fruits, dying on 11 September 1850 at the age of 35 of "brain fever", after a 3-day illness, leaving his wife pregnant (with Mary) and with four young children, (William, Harry, Elizabeth and Edward) to care for.Adelaide's first chemist (part 2) The Letters of William Bickford, ''The Register'', Saturday 20 June 1925, pg.8. Retrieved 30 January 2011
Ann Margaret Bickford
Ann Margaret Bickford (née Garrett) (1810 – 24 January 1877) was determined to carry on her husband's business. With five children under the age of ten, she enrolled the help of a retired pharmacist Mr Paxton to 'hold the fort' until more permanent help could be found. She soon engaged qualified chemists Edwin Page and Robert Hutton, and "with their able assistance" carried on the business for 14 years. (Mr Hutton was to open a pharmacy of his own at 76 Rundle Street in 1863.) On 29 May 1865 the shop shifted yet again – to 19 Hindley Street, later the site of Tattersall's Hotel.
Early 1873 they opened a shop in Taylor Street, Kadina. It ceased being advertised in 1888.
Remarkably, her death was marked in the newspapers of the time with the most cursory of death notices and no more. Whatever funeral arrangements there might have been were not advertised. A vault at
West Terrace Cemetery
The West Terrace Cemetery, formerly Adelaide Public Cemetery is a cemetery in Adelaide, South Australia. It is the state's oldest cemetery, first appearing on Colonel William Light's 1837 plan of the Adelaide city centre, to the south-west of ...
bears the names of both Ann and William Snr. A nearby stone commemorates Charlotte Jane Bickford.
Second generation
The second generation were:
*unnamed Bickford on 6 June 1840
*William Bickford (19 November 1841 – 20 September 1916)
*Harry Bickford (24 February 1843 – 6 September 1927
*Elizabeth "Bessie" Bickford on 29 November 1844 – England)
*Eulelia Bickford (8 November 1846 – 25 February 1847)
*James Bickford (19 February 1848 – 29 February 1848)
*Edward Bickford (30 May 1849 – 7 January 1907,
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is a Boroughs of New York City, borough of New York City located at the westernmost end of Long Island in the New York (state), State of New York. Formerly an independent city, the borough is coextensive with Kings County, one of twelv ...
, New York, United States)
*Mary Bickford (25 April 1851 – 12 December 1882
Bournemouth
Bournemouth ( ) is a coastal resort town in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole unitary authority area, in the ceremonial county of Dorset, England. At the 2021 census, the built-up area had a population of 196,455, making it the largest ...
, England)
The children's education did not suffer. They were already studying at the Adelaide Educational Institution, an academy run by J. L. Young in Freeman Street, and continued there for some years. Harry (or Henry as he was then called), was thriving there in 1853. Both he and Edward were mentioned at the prizegiving in 1855 Harry kept a close association with his ''alma mater'', being president of the Adelaide Educational Institution Old Scholars in 1866.
Although not as academically inclined, William must have made his mark as he was prominent in the Institution's 1863 welcome to "old scholars" W. P. Auld, James Frew and
Stephen King
Stephen Edwin King (born September 21, 1947) is an American author. Dubbed the "King of Horror", he is widely known for his horror novels and has also explored other genres, among them Thriller (genre), suspense, crime fiction, crime, scienc ...
, returning members of the Stuart's sixth expedition which had successfully crossed Australia from south to north.
William Bickford (1841–1916)
Older son William Bickford (jr.) (19 November 1841 – 20 September 1916), being less academically inclined than Harry, gained experience travelling and picking up a variety of jobs.
In 1871 he married Margaret Jane Ferguson.Daughter of William Ferguson (1809–1892) and Rosina (née Forsyth) (1810–1893) They had seven children:
:*William Ferguson Bickford "Willie" (30 November 1871 – 22 June 1889) died aged 17 in riding accident
:*Sidney Bickford (10 August 1874 – 10 December 1938) moved to Perth in 1895.
:*Harold Bickford (16 May 1876 – 23 October 1958) Managing director A. M. Bickford & Sons Ltd 1908–1930? He married Tessie Veronica Murphy in 1916; they had one child, Ronald Ferguson Bickford (1918–2011); he divorced her in 1922 citing four co-respondents, including Napier K. Birks (1876–1953) of the prominent Birks family.
:*Evelyn Victoria Bickford (later Mrs Robert Ezekiel Reid of
Geelong
Geelong ( ) (Wathawurrung language, Wathawurrung: ''Djilang''/''Djalang'') is a port city in Victoria, Australia, located at the eastern end of Corio Bay (the smaller western portion of Port Phillip Bay) and the left bank of Barwon River (Victo ...
) (b.7 June 1878)
:*Reginald Bickford (26 January 1880 – 20 November 1948) m. Rosa Florence Cudmore (30 September 1879 – 22 July 1954) on 17 November 1910
:*Norman Forsyth Bickford (1881 – )
:*Leslie Bruce Bickford (b.30 December 1885 at Alvington) m. Dorothy Murray
Their first home was "Fairfield" in Somerton, followed by "Alvington" near the Brighton Esplanade (see chapter below). Both William and Harry sent their sons to St Peter's College, a tradition that was largely continued in following generations.
He was made Justice of the Peace in 1886 and elected president of the Justices' Association from 1903 to 1904. He was elected to Brighton council and Mayor of Brighton 1886–1887 and 1890–1891. He was president of the Adelaide Chamber of Commerce from 1894 to 1895.
He and brother Harry bought Burnside Station near Naracoorte in 1886, and though neither ever lived there, they installed a manager and visited frequently. The fine
merino
The Merino is a list of sheep breeds, breed or group of breeds of domestic sheep, characterised by very fine soft wool. It was established in Spain near the end of the Middle Ages, and was for several centuries kept as a strict Spanish monop ...
wool produced there always found a ready buyer. By the turn of the century they had decided to free themselves of the responsibility, so after the South Australian Government showed no interest at their price of £49,540, subdivided the 40,978 acres into 28 lots and put them up for auction on 23 October 1908.
Harry Bickford (1843–1927)
Her son Harry Bickford (24 February 1843 – 6 September 1927) (He may have been christened "Henry".) was sent to England in 1859Obituary The Register 7 September 1927 p8 to gain qualifications and experience as a chemist, and returned in 1863.
He took little interest in civic affairs, but was a keen horseman and was Master of the Adelaide Hounds from 1882 and a committeeman with the South Australian Jockey Club from 1889. He was a crack shot, and won significant trophies for pigeon shooting.
When the company was floated on the Stock Exchange in January 1903, he was elected first managing director, relinquishing the position to his nephew Harold in 1906.
He was married three times: on 24 February 1866 to Charlotte Jane Farr (c. 1842 – 4 September 1866). They had no children. He married again, on 10 March 1870 to Rosina Mary Ferguson (1845 – 5 October 1898). They had three children:
:*(Isabella) May Bickford (12 April 1872 – 28 July 1933) (never married)
:*H(arry) Fairweather "H.F." Bickford (1874 – 8 July 1906) married May Innes-Ker (1876 – 22 August 1906) on 18 March 1903. They had no children.
:*Harding William Bickford (14 January 1877 – 5 August 1919) (never married)
On 8 December 1904 he married Priscilla Simms (née Chambers) (c. 1852 – 17 November 1924) They had no children. Priscilla was a daughter of John Chambers (1814–1889).
The two brothers were also major investors in the "Paramatta" copper mine at Moonta in the late 1890s.
A. M. Bickford & Sons (1864–1930)
Bickford & Son (1864–1871)
In 1863, Harry, now qualified, returned from England and began working for her. On his 21st birthday, she formally took him into partnership with her as 'Bickford and Son'. She drew up a deed, dated 23 February 1864, for a seven-year agreement whereby she held a two-thirds interest, and Harry a one-third interest.
A. M. Bickford & Sons (1871–1903)
William was not ready to be tied down, and travelled about the State in a multitude of occupations. Seven years later, he was ready to join the business and a new Deed of Trust was drawn up in 1871 for the new partnership 'A.M. Bickford and Sons'.A. M. Bickford & Sons (1863–1930) Encyclopaedia of Australian Science, www.eoas.info www.bickfords.netBickford's SA Memory, State Library of South AustraliaWm. Bickford, Chemist Australian Postal History William took the role of manager and promoter of the business.
Expansion and move into wholesale
With the continued expansion of the wholesale and manufacturing side of the business, the retail arm was sold around 1870, and substantial offices and warehouse were built at 42–46
Currie Street
Currie Street is a main street in the Adelaide city centre, South Australia.Map of the
aerated drinks. Mons. Foureur had previously run a similar factory in Glenelg but like the equipment over which he presided, was of French origin.
With the mother's death in 1877, the two sons continued and expanded the business. William maintained personal contact with important and potential clients statewide, and along the Murray as far as Wentworth and then up the Darling to Wilcannia, a 3-month journey he executed twice per year "for some years". Harry was in control at Hindley Street. He served as the first President of the Pharmaceutical Association of S.A. and was known as a sportsman, being Master of the Adelaide Hunt Club for many years.
Alvington
Around 1880, with business prospering and his family expanding, William built a substantial residence "Alvington" at New Glenelg (now Somerton Park) on a property with a beach frontage of 160' and depth of 360' (49m x 110m) at the corner of The Esplanade and Madge Terrace (now Bickford Terrace). It was named after West Alvington, the home village of his grandparents, and the location to which his sister Elizabeth had "migrated". William Bickford did not live long to enjoy its grandeur, and on his death in 1918 left his widow Margaret and son Harold with a substantial overdraft. They were able to maintain a gracious lifestyle however, retaining a coachman and other servants.
In the period 1938–1976, Alvington became "Somerton Home" of the Crippled Children's Association, an organisation created to support children with poliomyelitis. In 1976 the children were transferred to a new facility at Regency Park. The property was then sold and the building demolished.
Third generation
Sidney Bickford (10 August 1874 – 10 December 1938), second son of William (jr.), opened the
Perth
Perth () is the list of Australian capital cities, capital city of Western Australia. It is the list of cities in Australia by population, fourth-most-populous city in Australia, with a population of over 2.3 million within Greater Perth . The ...
branch.
Harold Bickford (1876–1958) succeeded his father William (jr.) as managing director.
Harding William Bickford (14 January 1877 – 5 August 1919), youngest son of Harry, was in his youth a prominent cyclist. After a few years' work in the company laboratories he left for London in 1898 to gain qualifications as a pharmacist, and on return to Adelaide in 1903, was employed as assistant lecturer at the University of Adelaide. then as manager of A. M. Bickford & Sons' offices in Sydney then
Brisbane
Brisbane ( ; ) is the List of Australian capital cities, capital and largest city of the States and territories of Australia, state of Queensland and the list of cities in Australia by population, third-most populous city in Australia, with a ...
, where he died of pneumonia.
Reginald Bickford (26 January 1880 – 20 November 1948) a younger son of William (jr.), was in charge of the Cordial and Aerated Waters factory for many years, succeeding one Stephen Bickford, about whom little is known but was not of the immediate family.
Leslie Bruce Bickford (born 30 December 1885), youngest son of William (jr.) became manager of the Surgical and Veterinary Department.
Felton Grimwade & Bickford Ltd. (1902–1930)
In 1895 the partnership decided to expand west, and sent Sidney Bickford and Robert McClure, an experienced hand from the Adelaide firm to set up a
Perth
Perth () is the list of Australian capital cities, capital city of Western Australia. It is the list of cities in Australia by population, fourth-most-populous city in Australia, with a population of over 2.3 million within Greater Perth . The ...
branch. They were in direct competition with Felton Grimwade & Co. of
Melbourne
Melbourne ( , ; Boonwurrung language, Boonwurrung/ or ) is the List of Australian capital cities, capital and List of cities in Australia by population, most populous city of the States and territories of Australia, Australian state of Victori ...
and after a few years decided to amalgamate.
In 1902, Felton Grimwade & Bickford Ltd. was founded in Western Australia. It was a joint venture between Felton Grimwade & Co, Melbourne and A.M. Bickford & Sons, Adelaide,History , Felton Grimwade & Bickford Ltd, www.fgb.com.au with Robert McClure their first managing director. Sidney Bickford married a Perth girl and settled down, breaking most ties with the Adelaide firm and family.
A. M. Bickford & Sons Ltd (1903–1930)
In 1903 the firm became a limited liability company A. M. Bickford & Sons Ltd.A Story of Enterprise ''The Advertiser'' 28 April 1923 p.18 accessed 31 January 2011
In 1914 the manufacturing laboratory was transferred to Waymouth Street alongside the cordial factory. Facilities installed included a large (6'6" or 1.9m diameter)
autoclave
An autoclave is a machine used to carry out industrial and scientific processes requiring elevated temperature and pressure in relation to ambient pressure and/or temperature. Autoclaves are used before surgical procedures to perform steriliza ...
, a bond store and plant for manufacturing absolute alcohol.
In 1920 its dental requisites branch was made a separate company Commonwealth Dental Supply Company Ltd. with headquarters in King William Street.
Products
In 1874, following the foundation of the South Australian Cordial and Aerated Water Factory and laboratories on Waymouth Street, the company began producing premium cordials and aerated drinks. Before long these quality products, including the now famous Bickford's Lime Cordial, gained international award recognition for their superiority.
"Maltox" was a " tonic" based on
port wine
Port wine (, ; ), or simply port, is a Portuguese wine, Portuguese fortified wine produced in the Douro, Douro Valley of Norte, Portugal, northern Portugal. It is typically a sweetness of wine, sweet red wine, often served with dessert wine, ...
with barley malt and beef extract added. Like its competitor Sedna it was susceptible to abuse for its alcohol content, and sales from chemist's shops and other unlicensed premises were subject to police "
sting operation
In law enforcement, a sting operation is a deceptive operation designed to catch a person attempting to commit a crime. A typical sting will have an undercover law enforcement officer, detective, or co-operative member of the public play a rol ...
s".
In 1920, Bickford's commenced production of branded Coffee and Chicory Essence, (later renamed Bickford's Iced Coffee Mix), winning the gold medal at the All-Australian Exhibition in 1930. These and other products are still made to the same original recipes today.
In 1922 Bickford's "Sal Vital", an effervescent "health salt" powder which ''"contains all the elements that tend to cool and purify the blood, and makes as well, a refreshing and cooling beverage"'', first went on sale.
Drug Houses of Australia (1930–1974)
In 1930, a holding company Drug Houses of Australia (DHA) was formed with a capital of £5,000,000 which combined Bickford's with a number of similar Australian companies representing all states except Tasmania. No shares were offered to the public.Drug Houses of Australia Ltd (DHA) (1930–1974) Encyclopaedia of Australian Science, www.eoas.infoInterpretation of Will 8 September 1934, The Advertiser, pg.23
Pursuant to the amalgamation agreements, A.M. Bickford & Son Ltd shareholders received 4.6572 £1 Drug Houses of Australia Ltd shares for each £1 A.M. Bickford & Son Ltd share.
In 1956 D.H.A. (SA) Ltd. moved to new premises at 599 Port Road, West Croydon.
In 1961 Drug Houses of Australia's net profit after tax exceeded a million pounds.
In 1968, DHA was taken over by the corporate raider, asset stripper and now-defunct British bank Slater Walker. The remnant struggled on until 1974, at which point it was decided to break the company up and sell it. The major products including Dexcal, Sal Vital and Sapoderm were sold to Reckitt & Colman.
Peter Abbott purchased DHA Manufacturing Pty Ltd, which included the eucalyptus oil operations, the business name Drug Houses of Australia, as well as other business and trade names and products including Bickford's Lime Juice Cordial and Bickford's Coffee Essence. An office and warehouse was set up at 17 Capella Crescent, Moorabbin. The name Drug Houses of Australia and some of the pharmacy only products were on-sold to Australian Pharmaceutical Industries (API) NSW. Currently, DHA is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and is located in Singapore.
Felton Grimwade & Bickford Pty. Ltd. (1975–1987)
In 1975 the name DHA Manufacturing Pty. Ltd. was changed to Felton Grimwade & Bickford Pty. Ltd. (FGB), one of the business names that had been taken over.
In 1987 FGB sold Bickford's Lime Juice Cordial and Coffee Essence, together with the business name A.M. Bickford & Sons. (It is not clear to whom they sold them.) FGB continue in business pursuing their other interests and using the FGB brandname, however the company name now appears to be Felton Grimwade & Bosisto's Pty Ltd.
1987–1999 – A. M. Bickford & Sons again ...
It is remarkably difficult to find anything definitive about this period, particularly the period 1987–1991, and it is not clear why.
At some time, (most likely 1987, but supporting evidence is yet to be located), the Lloyd Family (of Lloyd Helicopters / Lloyd Aviation / Pearl Aviation fame) purchased various companies and brands, etc., which allowed them to manufacture and sell soft drinks in general, and Bickford's Lime Cordial in particular, from somewhere in the
Adelaide Hills
The Adelaide Hills region is located in the southern Mount Lofty Ranges east of the city of Adelaide in the state of South Australia. The largest town in the area, Mount Barker, South Australia, Mount Barker, is one of Australia's fastest-growi ...
. But to date, and somewhat peculiarly, no supporting evidence has been located.
According to the Bickford's Australia website, Angelo Kotses became involved with the Lloyds some time in the early 1990s.
In 1991 the company extended the premium cordial range to include blackcurrant syrup and other new flavours, and throughout the 1990s further expanded the range with "old style sodas", fruit juice flavoured mineral water, bottled water and other products.
1999– Kotses family: A. M. Bickford & Sons / Bickford's Australia
In 1999, the Kotses family bought the company.
In the early 2000s iced teas and milkshake mixes were added to the range of products.
In 2005, the cordial and soft drink related parts of the company, now called "Bickford's Australia", moved into "a new state of the art manufacturing facility" in
Salisbury, South Australia
Salisbury ( ) is a northern suburb of Adelaide, South Australia. It is the seat of the City of Salisbury, and is within the South Australian Legislative Assembly electoral district of Ramsay and the Australian House of Representatives division ...
.Company Timeline , www.bickfords.net Since the move to the new manufacturing plant in 2005 the range of products has expanded considerably.
In 2006, Bickfords lime juice cordial was recognised by the National Trust of South Australia as a Heritage Icon. Into the second decade of the 21st century, the range of products continues to expand, along with the Bickford's Group which also includes Vok, Wheel & Barrow, and Karma Living.
In February 2014, Bickford's announced plans for a new distillery in the South Australian Riverland. The article states, (amongst other things), that the "key to Bickford's success has been buying unloved brands and working out ways to rebuild them".