Showerings Ltd Round Alloy

Showerings Ltd alloy tray dating from the 1950s. Showerings was founded in Shepton Mallet in1658. The small Kilver Street Brewery was situated behind the Ship Inn. In addition to its range of ales, the firm began to successfully manufacture cider and perry products. The business was registered as Showerings Ltd in 1932. The Company closed its brewing activities in 1952 to concentrate its production on Babycham, cider and perry drinks. This was the beginning of a highly succesful modern era for the Company. Instrumental in the firm's success was Francis Showering who, along with his three brothers, joined the business in the 1930s. In the 1940s 'Babycham', a low-alcohol sparkling drink made from fermented pear juice, was launched. It was an unprecedented success which resulted in the Company purchasing numerous pear orchards across the West Midlands. Babycham's famous logo, based on a small Chamois deer, was an instantly recogniseable form of advertising for which Francis Showering was personably responsible. In order to increase production capacity Showerings Ltd acquired R.N.Coate & Co.Ltd of Nailsea in 1956. By 1959 Showerings Ltd employed over 1,000 people and in that year the Company's shares were floated on the Stock Exchange, making the brothers millionaires overnight. Showerings Ltd merged with William Gaymer & Son Ltd of Norfolk, Whiteways Cyder Co. Ltd of Devon, and three other drinks companies. The Company was acquired by Allied Breweries Ltd in 1968 with Francis Showering ultimately becoming its Chairman. Francis's nephew, Sir Keith Showering, became Chairman and Chief Executive from 1975 to 1982, during which time Allied Breweries Ltd became the Allied-Lyons Group. When Sir Keith Showering died in 1991, Francis Showering and Keith's four sons, tried unsuccessfully to buy back the business. A new Company was established by the Showering family which currently trades as Brothers Drinks. Francis Showering died in 1995. The manufacturer's mark states - Causton, Manufacturers, London