Batchelors Cup a Soup Cream of Asparagus

Brand Origin and History

Batchelors was founded in Sheffield, England, in 1895 by William Batchelor, who began selling dried peas. The brand evolved through the 20th century to pioneer convenient packaged foods in the United Kingdom, becoming renowned for its dried soups, packet noodles (Super Noodles), and quick meals. The Cup a Soup sub-brand has long been a staple of UK pantries, offering instant powdered soups designed to be prepared directly in a mug.

Manufacturing and Ownership

Batchelors Cup a Soup products sold across the UK are manufactured primarily in the United Kingdom, notably at Premier Foods' processing facility in Worksop, Nottinghamshire.

Batchelors is owned by Premier Foods plc, one of the UK's largest branded food manufacturers, headquartered in St Albans, Hertfordshire. While Batchelors was historically owned by Unilever for several years, it was acquired by Premier Foods in 2007. Note on namesakes: An unrelated food company called Batchelors also operates historically in Ireland (famous for baked beans and canned goods), owned separately by Valeo Foods; the UK brand producing Cup a Soup is exclusively operated by Premier Foods.