Francis Showering
Francis Edwin Showering | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 10, 1912 Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England |
| Died | September 5, 1995 (aged 83) Dorset, England |
| Occupation(s) | Brewer, businessman |
| Known for | Founder of Showerings; creator of Babycham |
Francis Edwin Showering CBE (10 July 1912 – 5 September 1995) was a prominent English brewer and the founder of the family enterprise Showerings, which created Babycham, a lightly sparkling perry introduced in 1953 and initially promoted as "genuine champagne perry." Notably, Babycham became the first alcoholic beverage advertised on British television in 1957.
Early life
Hailing from Shepton Mallet, Somerset, where his family was engaged in brewing beer and cider, Showering pursued studies in chemistry at Bristol. He wed Hilda Foote in 1934. All four Showering siblings were involved in the family business, with Francis ultimately assuming the role of managing director.
Babycham
During the 1940s, Showerings innovated a method to produce perry—a fermented pear juice cider—and introduced Babycham, aimed particularly at young female consumers through its petite bottles designed to be enjoyed in champagne saucers. Following legal challenges regarding the use of the term "champagne" in its branding, European Union regulations eventually banned this terminology.
The popularity of Babycham prompted the company to purchase and cultivate pear orchards throughout the West Midlands and Somerset regions. By 1966, production reached a peak of 108,000 bottles per hour, accompanied by expansions with new facilities established in Ireland and Belgium.
Later career
In 1959, Showering took his company public and expanded by acquiring businesses such as William Gaymer, Vine Products, Whiteways, Britvic, and John Harvey & Sons. Allied Breweries purchased Showerings for £108 million in 1968, with Showering joining their board as a director. His nephew, Sir Keith Showering, served as vice-chairman before becoming chairman and CEO of Allied Breweries, overseeing significant acquisitions including Teacher's whisky and Lyons food operations, culminating in the creation of Allied Lyons in 1979.
Following his nephew’s death in 1982, Francis assumed the position of vice-chairman at Allied Breweries. After an unsuccessful attempt to reacquire Showerings in 1991, he collaborated with Sir Keith’s sons to form Brothers Drinks and launched Straight 8, a full-strength perry containing 8% alcohol by volume.
Later life
He was honored as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) during the 1982 New Year Honours.
Death
Showering passed away in Dorset on 5 September 1995 and was laid to rest in Shepton Mallet. At the time of his death, he was survived by his second wife, whom he married in 1981 following the passing of his first spouse a year earlier.
References
- Anne Pimlott Baker, ‘Showering, Francis Edwin (1912–1995)’, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004
- OBITUARY: Francis Showering, Derrick-Holden Brown, The Independent, 8 September 1995
- King of Babycham straight back into business, The Independent, 23 October 1993
- Prancing to the tune of Babycham, The Telegraph, 18 September 2004