The Sweet Story of Morrows' Biscuits!
In 1884, Brisbane businessmen Thomas Morrow and R. A. Rankin acquired the confectionery business of Russell & Co. and established the partnership Rankin & Morrow. Beginning with a capital of £2,300, the business steadily expanded, earning a reputation for producing high-quality biscuits and confectionery.
Thomas Morrow had arrived in Queensland from County Down, Ireland, in 1863. After spending more than 20 years working with the Brisbane merchants Brabant & Co., he entered the manufacturing industry and helped build what would become one of Queensland's best-known food companies.
The business continued to grow, acquiring F. W. Wilson's biscuit business in 1895 and later the biscuit interests of G. A. Robertson. In 1900, Thomas Morrow purchased R. A. Rankin's interest in the company, and on 15 August 1900, the business was incorporated as Morrows Ltd.
The Milton Factory
For many years Morrows operated separate biscuit and confectionery factories before consolidating production at a large purpose-built factory at Milton, near the Brisbane River. Constructed in 1912 and expanded in 1913, the impressive complex was regarded as one of Australia's most modern food manufacturing plants.
Designed with efficiency in mind, the factory featured conveyor systems, spiral chutes and other advanced production methods that helped streamline manufacturing. By the company's 50th anniversary in 1934, Morrows employed hundreds of Queensland workers and had become one of the state's leading food manufacturers.
The company also earned a reputation as a progressive employer, providing staff amenities such as dining facilities, lockers and washrooms—features that were considered well ahead of their time.
A Queensland Favourite
Morrows became famous for its wide range of biscuits, crackers, chocolates and confectionery. Popular products included Sovereign Chocolates, Meadow-Green confectionery, Jerso Crackers, as well as Christmas cakes, puddings and many other seasonal favourites.
The company promoted the use of Australian ingredients wherever practical and became a major Queensland manufacturer, distributing its products throughout Australia.
For generations of Brisbane families, Morrows was more than just a factory—it was a familiar and much-loved part of everyday life.
From Morrows to Arnott's
During the late 1950s, Morrows became part of Arnott's as Australia's biscuit industry underwent consolidation. Production continued at the Milton factory under Arnott's ownership for many years, and generations of Brisbane residents fondly remember driving along Coronation Drive with the unmistakable aroma of freshly baked biscuits drifting from the ovens.
The End of an Era
During the 1990s, Arnott's transferred production to its modern facility at Virginia, bringing an end to more than 80 years of biscuit manufacturing at Milton. The historic factory later closed and was eventually demolished, making way for new development.
Although the buildings have disappeared, Morrows remains an important part of Queensland's industrial heritage. Its story reflects the growth of local manufacturing, innovation in food production, and the generations of Queensland workers whose efforts helped create some of Brisbane's best-loved treats.
Do you remember the wonderful smell of freshly baked biscuits drifting across Coronation Drive from the old Milton factory? We'd love to hear your memories in the comments!
A note on our visuals: To ℎelp tell tℎis story, we’ve used computer-generated illustrations based on ℎistorical references and public arcℎives of tℎe Milton factory. Tℎese images are created for educational ℎistory sℎaring.
