Page Two
In 1920 the manufacture of the now famous Eskort Gold Medal Pork Sausages commenced and the Co-operatives' continued marketing of excellent products were rewarded with the third successive wins in the Export Hams and Bacon categories at the 1922 Rand Easter Show. Tragedy struck in 1925 when a fire caused extensive damage to the factory and production was temporarily relocated to Nel's Rust Dairy Limited in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. Despite the setback the Company gained the high honour of winning the top three prizes at the 1926 London Dairy Show.
During the Second World War over 1 million tins of sausages were supplied to the Allied forces all over the world and over 12 tonnes of bacon per week was supplied to convoys calling at Durban Harbour. Early in 1948 plans for a factory in Heidelberg, Gauteng were drawn up. This factory commenced production in September 1954. The retail Eskort butchery, a favourite shopping stop for travellers between the Reef and Durban was opened in 1951.
"World War II Advert: Mr and Mrs WILLIAMS, S.A. World Walkers. After having travelled 17,460 miles we still have to find BACON and SAUSAGES as good and as popular as ESTCOURT."
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