100 years of smart science: Celebrating Croda's centenary at our headquarters
This year marks a momentous milestone as we celebrate 100 years since Croda was founded.
In a hundred years we have grown from a tiny family firm to a multibillion-pound global organisation. A company that neither our founders, Mr Crowe or Mr Dawe, nor our first managing director, A P Wood, could hardly have dreamt of.
From the outset, we understood the central role science plays in our everyday lives and these days that means using our Smart science to improve lives™. Smart science that, at the turn of this century, led to the development of Matrixyl - an age-defying, anti-wrinkle active ingredient used in numerous cosmetic products, and is today almost as well known by the consumer as the end products themselves. It shows smart science that has led to the creation of our lipid-based delivery systems for the first COVID-19 vaccines - technology that has contributed to protecting billions of lives globally.
One thing’s for certain, the successes of the past, the progress being made in the present, and our potential for the future all stem from the incredible intellect, passion and dedication of our people who have travelled through Croda since 1925.
The centenary event, held earlier this month, was a proud reflection of our heritage, a recognition of the people who’ve helped shape our business, and a vibrant celebration of what lies ahead.
Cowick Hall centenary exhibition
Cowick Hall centenary celebration Video Card Additional Videos Title
Navigating the future of innovative ingredients
Our centenary
Centenary celebrations: an exhibition honouring our legacy
To kick off the centenary celebrations, a dedicated exhibition was unveiled at our headquarters, welcoming VIPs, employees, and retired colleagues. Curated by our people, the exhibition showcased Croda’s journey from its beginnings in 1925 to becoming a global leader in sustainable innovation.Guests had the opportunity to explore a rich history of milestones, innovations, and the people behind our progress. Our exhibition included advancements in biotechnology, our sustainability story, along with background into the globalisation of Croda and our people. The exhibition highlighted the spirit of purpose that continues to define Croda today.
Nicola Daniels, Head of Marketing, Croda Agriculture explained: “I am so pleased to be part of Croda’s centenary. After celebrating my Croda birthday on 1 June, I am really pleased to have been with the company for 26 years. Being here today and seeing so many familiar faces taking a walk down memory lane is fantastic, and it makes me feel so proud to be part of such a great company. Thank you to every one of our colleagues who pulled it all together, you really have done our history justice!
Honouring our past with our retirees
The exhibition was enriched with highlights from our newly published book, Milestones and Memories, authored by Alan Knights, former editor of The Croda Way and now a proud Croda retiree. This remarkable book captures the essence of our first 100 years, drawing on decades of stories, publications, and reflections to showcase our journey from day one to today.
Alan’s work is a powerful reminder that our people are, and always have been, our greatest strength. Their passion, innovation, and dedication have shaped the company we are today and will continue to influence the path ahead. It was a true pleasure to welcome so many retirees back to Cowick Hall. We deeply value the legacy they helped build, and we extend special thanks to Alan for his dedication to preserving and sharing Croda’s rich heritage.
VIP day & innovation centre tour
As part of a special event to host our Non-Executive Directors, Croda welcomed industry experts and key stakeholders to a VIP Day designed to showcase our rich heritage and forward-looking innovations. The day celebrated 100 years of Croda, while also highlighting how our cutting-edge science is shaping the future of sustainable technologies.
Among the distinguished guests on VIP Day was David Davis, MP, who toured our state of the art Innovation Centre. Guided by members of our R&D team, Mr Davis saw first hand how Croda scientists are developing next generation, bio based solutions for Consumer Care and Life Sciences.
Sir David Davis, MP, tells us: “It was a real pleasure to visit Croda as they mark 100 years in business. Not only is Croda an important local employer, but it's also an international success story, driving innovation and making a real impact across industries. Here’s to the next century of success!”
This celebration reinstated the importance of continued investment in science and technology.
During this event, Steve Foots, Group Chief Executive, told our guests: “To be CEO of this wonderful company of ours at any time in our history is a great honour and a privilege but it is extra special to hold this position as we celebrate 100 years. A huge achievement for the company.
“A century of milestones, memories and many breakthrough innovations, from paints to adhesives, from printing inks to road tars and from number 2 producer in honey to the Uk's largest private label soap bars. We got involved in many end markets and this all taught us a valuable lesson. Keep our eyes on the road and focus on what we do best, innovating with naturally derived speciality ingredients. Today, Croda is synonymous with growth, innovation and sustainability which can be summarised by our purpose Smart science to improve lives™.
We should look back with pride on our achievements and look forward with great excitement and anticipation. We are emerging as a very different looking business, more focused and a ready for another period of exciting innovation led growth.”
Celebrating 100 years with a festival for our people
Our celebrations continued at Cowick Hall with a lively festival exclusively for our people. It was a chance to relax, reconnect, and celebrate together. With food stalls, music, games, and entertainment for everyone, the event captured the warmth and energy of the Croda community.
Helen Jeremiah, VP Marketing, Consumer Care tells us: “What a wonderful day celebrating Croda’s centenary. It is incredible to work for a company that cares about investing in its people and culture!”
The atmosphere at Cowick Hall was unforgettable, it was a joyful tribute to everyone who makes Croda what it is today. The sense of pride, connection, and community spirit was felt throughout the day, making it a celebration to remember.
A team effort, led by passion
The entire centenary celebration was the result of months of preparation and dedication by the Centenary Committee, led by Croda Executive Committee member Sandra Breene. Sandra’s leadership and vision ensured the event honoured our past while looking forward to our future.
Sandra Breene, President, Consumer Care, tells us: “This centenary year is not just about our history, it is about recognising the incredible people who have made Croda what it is, and inspiring the next generation to take us even further. Let’s not see this as just a celebration of our past, let’s see it as the start of a journey.”
We’d like to thank everyone who helped bring this special celebration to life, from the organisers and volunteers to our employees, retirees, and guests who joined us to mark this important moment.
As we celebrate this centenary, we remain focused on building a future that is just as inspiring as our past. Here’s to the next 100 years of making a positive difference using our Purpose, Smart science to improve lives™.
Cowick Hall centenary celebrations
