Bickford's

William Bickford, a chemist, arrived in South Australia in 1839. He originally intended to become a sheep farmer, but finding the cost of sheep prohibitive, Bickford returned to his original occupation, acting as assistant to several medical professionals. In late 1840, he established the first druggist in Adelaide in Hindley Street.

William had married Ann Margaret Garrett in August 1839 and when he died at 35 in 1850, she carried on the business. In 1871 the company was renamed AM Bickford and Sons.

The company purchased a cordial factory in Waymouth Street in 1874 and began the manufacture of the types of products we associate with the company today. In 1877 Ann Margaret died and the sons, William and Harry, continued the company under the name AM Bickford and Sons. Building of new offices, warehouses and showrooms on the corner of Currie and Leigh Streets commenced in 1878.

Successive generations of Bickfords continued the business, which prospered throughout the rest of the 19 th century as both a manufacturer and wholesaler of products from overseas companies. AM Bickford and Sons also began to supply medical equipment. In 1920 a subsidiary company, the Commonwealth Dental Supply Co., was established to provide equipment to dentists. In the 1920s, AM Bickford and Sons' products included eucalyptus oil, coffee essence, coconut oil, Sal Vital 'health salts' and fluid magnesia.

In 1936 AM Bickford and Sons amalgamated with several other companies to form the pharmaceutical chain Drug Houses of Australia (DHA).

The Bickford operations moved to new premises on Port Road, West Croydon during 1956. DHA was taken over by an English corporation, Slater-Walker, in 1970.

Bickford's Australia is now located in Salisbury, in Adelaide's north, and continues to manufacture cordials, soft drinks and juices for domestic and international markets.