Primula is a brand of a range of food products manufactured by The Kavli Group. The most popular product under the Primula brand is the cheese spread.

History

The story of Primula started with its creator and Kavli Group member Olav Kavli. In 1893, Olav Kavli started his business of buying and selling cheeses. Because Kavli was a good salesman and knowledgeable in the trade, his business grew quickly and he was able to expand his line of cheeses. When he was able to, he started travelling the world to sell his cheeses in different markets.

In 1924, Kavli created his first cheese spread product. It was also the first commercial spreadable cheese that had a long shelf life. Kavli began selling his cheese spreads under the brand Primula in 1929. The cheese spreads were sold first in the U.K. market. The spreadable cheeses were, and have always been, packed in a tube format, making the product convenient to bring anywhere and perfect paired with crackers, toasts or sandwiches.

Kavli continued to expand his business, now with the help of his son Knut. The father and son tandem started opening factories in locations where they had major export markets. In 1936, Kavli Limited was created in the U.K.  Soon after, the Kavli Group was established, a major company that has operations in Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Denmark. Currently, The Kavli Trust manages The Kavli Group. Profits from the company are used to fund several good causes, such as research, humanitarian activities and cultural activities.

Primula cheese dips and spreads are made at two locations in the U.K. Aside from Primula products, the Kavli Group also owns Scottish company Castle MacLellan Foods, which produces premium quality Scottish patés.

Currently, Primula spreads and dips come in several varieties. Aside from the original spreadable flavour, other varieties include cheese with chives, cheese with ham and cheese with prawns. The company also makes cheese dippers, which is a dip of creamy cheese together with breadsticks. Primula cheese dip varieties include spicy salsa, roasted garlic, nacho cheese, sour cream and chive and BBQ salsa. Primula branded products, as well as The Kavli Group’s other products, are sold in over 20 countries around the world.

Headquarters: Tyne and Wear,North England
Ownership Type: a subsidiary of The Kavli Group
Employees: information not available
Geography: UK, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark
Demography: retail cheese products consumers

Brands

Primula®

Important links

Corporate Home Page
Primula Products
Pimula Contact Information