Redpath Sugar

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Redpath Sugar label

Redpath Sugar was established as the Canada Sugar refining Co. in 1854 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada by Scots-Quebecer entrepreneur, John Redpath (1796-1869). Located on the bank of the Lachine Canal, the giant complex was the first of its kind in Canada, producing sugar from imported cane. Its construction was part of the economic boom that, during the 19th century, turned Montreal from a small town to (then) the largest city in Canada and the country’s economic engine.

As seen here in an image from the company's product package celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2004, the Redpath logo is actually John Redpath's signature and remains the oldest continuously used logo for food products in Canada today.

In 1857, Peter Redpath (1821-1894) became a partner in 1857 and his brother-in-law, George Alexander Drummond (1829-1910) joined the firm in 1861. Unable to compete with the giant low-cost producers in the United States, for the three years between 1876 and 1878 the company ceased operations. Following the tariff protections implemented under the National Policy by the government of Sir John A. Macdonald the company reopened in 1879 as did St. Lawrence Sugar, a new competitor established in Montreal.

The Redpath Museum of natural history at McGill University in Montreal was built in 1882 as a gift from Peter Redpath. George Drummond took over when Peter Redpath retired in 1888 and under his guidance, the company's success allowed for construction of a new six-storey plant built on the existing site that doubled production capacity.

In 1930, the company merged with Canada Sugar Refining Company Limited of Chatham, Ontario. In 1959, Redpath Industries Ltd. was acquired by the British company Tate & Lyle plc. In 2007, the company was taken over by the American Sugar Refiners company.

The redpath sugar refinery in Toronto

In 1980, the Montreal plant was closed and production was shifted to Toronto. The Redpath Sugar Museum in Toronto displays the story of the Redpath Sugar Company as well as information concerning antique and modern refining technologies.