The Search for Fray Bentos Corned Beef: Tracking Down a Discontinued Classic

For generations of Brits the iconic Fray Bentos brand was synonymous with corned beef. The rectangular tins with the distinctive key on the label were a staple in many households. But over the years, production of this nostalgic product quietly came to an end, leaving fans wondering – can you still get Fray Bentos corned beef?

Let’s go on a historical journey to uncover what happened to this beloved canned meat

A Look Back at Fray Bentos Corned Beef

The Fray Bentos food brand traces its origins to 1865 in the South American town of Fray Bentos, Uruguay. That’s where German chemist Justus von Liebig opened a factory to produce an extract product called Oxo. By 1873, the factory began canning corned beef to be exported to Britain under the Fray Bentos name.

The cheap canned corned beef became a big hit with the British working class very quickly. Even more people liked it when it was added to army rations during World War I. Soldiers liked it so much that they called it “Fray Bentos” and called it a tasty treat.

Over the ensuing decades, Fray Bentos corned beef became a household staple across Britain. Tins were popped open to enjoy the fatty beef slices in sandwiches or served alongside vegetables for an easy meal. For many, it was a beloved taste of childhood.

When Production Was Halted

In the 1960s and 1970s, Fray Bentos corned beef was still made at the Vestey Group-owned Anglo meat packing plant in Fray Bentos, Uruguay. However, the factory stopped making things in 1979 when the Uruguayan government took over. This was the end of the real Fray Bentos corned beef from the town that gave it its name.

The rights to the Fray Bentos brand for the UK market traded hands between various food companies over the next decades, with the focus shifting towards meat pies and away from corned beef. In 1993, Campbell’s Soup Company purchased the brand but discontinued the corned beef range. By the 2000s, the Fray Bentos logo only appeared on steak and kidney pies and similar products.

So when did loyal fans finally lose hope of seeing the corned beef return?

Confirmation it Was Discontinued

In 2021, British newspaper The Sun reported on superfan Andy Presley’s petition to revive Fray Bentos tinned corned beef. However after contacting the brand’s parent company Baxters, he received disappointing confirmation that it had indeed been permanently discontinued years ago due to lack of consumer demand.

A Facebook post from the official Fray Bentos page in 2022 further solidified that the corned beef is gone for good. Responding to nostalgic comments about the missed product, the brand stated:

“We no longer sell corned beef and have no plans to reintroduce it in the future. Our focus remains on making great quality meat pies.”

For people who miss corned beef from the past, it looks like this famous food will only live on in memory. You can still get Fray Bentos meat pies, but the original corned beef is a thing of the past when it comes to British food.

Trying to Recreate the Magic at Home

If you grew up eating Fray Bentos corned beef, the discontinuation may leave you craving its unique flavor. Short of locating an extraordinarily well-preserved antique tin, there may be some ways to recreate the magic at home:

• Use high-quality grass-fed brisket to make homemade corned beef, and reduce the amount of salts in the curing process for a less salty result.

• If purchasing canned corned beef, look for lower-sodium options with minimal preservatives and no artificial ingredients.

• Add your own spices like peppercorns, bay leaves, and mustard seeds to boost the flavor.

• Bake or fry slices to give the more tender texture similar to the original.

• Serve on thick-cut bread or crackers for a nostalgic sandwich.

While it may not be exact, you can still approximate the corned beef experience with careful preparation and quality ingredients. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

In Pursuit of Other Discontinued Favorites

The quest to revive Fray Bentos corned beef sheds light on the fleeting nature of commercial foods we once took for granted. Aficionados cling to fond memories of discontinued or limited edition products:

• Crystal Pepsi: Clear cola from the 1990s

• Ghostbusters Cereal: Grain-based tribute to the 1984 film

• Jell-O 1-2-3: Multitextured gelatin dessert

• Sprite Remix: Tropical fruit flavored soda from 2003

• McDonald’s Szechuan Sauce: Tie-in to Disney’s 1998 Mulan film

The nostalgia surrounding these long-gone products keeps their legacy alive among fans. Although they may never make a permanent return, their stories prompt lively recollections of the past.

Keeping the Memory Alive

While devotees were disappointed to confirm Fray Bentos corned beef’s demise, the shared fondness for this cultural food icon will live on. Its role in the history of British cuisine warrants commemorating this humble tinned meat. From army rations to family dinners, its memory will persist for generations to come.

The key is keeping the conversation going, both celebrating Fray Bentos corned beef and lamenting its absence. As long as it remains etched in our collective consciousness and experience, the magic it once delivered continues to enrich our food story over time.

AUTHOR
Maria Campbell

Hi there, Maria here – retro food enthusiast and aspiring home cook extraordinaire! I love whipping up dishes inspired by nostalgic brands and cooking trends from days gone by. When I’m not in the kitchen trying to recreate vintage recipes, you’ll find me scouring thrift shops to add to my kitschy collection of kitchenware. I wish I could have experienced some of the crazy food fads from the past firsthand – I would have been first in line for meal pills and astronaut ice cream! What weird or wonderful blasts from the culinary past do you remember best? Let’s take a tasty trip down memory lane together!