Balfours
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Bakery, Food production |
| Founded | 1853 |
| Founder | James Calder, Margaret Balfour |
| Headquarters | Adelaide , Australia |
Area served | South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales |
| Products | Cakes, pies, pasties |
| Parent | San Remo Macaroni Company (since 2008) |
Balfours is a bakery originating in Australia, known for its production of cakes, pies, and pasties distributed throughout South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales.
History
The company was established in 1853 by Scottish immigrant James Calder along with Margaret née Balfour at 130 Rundle Street, Adelaide, where it rapidly gained popularity. In 1872, Calder launched the City Steam Biscuit Factory located on Twin Street in Adelaide. By 1867, he had been designated as the official biscuit baker for Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, during his visit to South Australia.
Calder joined forces with his nephew John Balfour under the business name Calder & Balfour. After Margaret Balfour's death in 1887 and Calder's passing in 1889, the enterprise continued to evolve. A new manufacturing facility was constructed near Carrington Street during the 1890s.
Starting in 1914, Balfours broadened its scope by opening cake shops, cafes, and tearooms. Among these acquisitions was Jackman's Grand Cafe situated in the T&G Building on King William Street, a notable Adelaide establishment for more than fifty years. Subsequently, the company was re-registered as Balfour Wauchope Pty Ltd to commemorate chairman Charles Wauchope.
In 2001, the primary production site was relocated from Morphett Street to Dudley Park through financial support from the South Australian government via a buy-and-leaseback arrangement. Nonetheless, economic difficulties persisted.
In 2008, San Remo Macaroni Company took ownership of Balfours. By 2018, operations included a second manufacturing plant located in Milperra, Sydney.