A British instant coffee brand
All you need is a bottle of this, and either hot water from the kettle, or milk (cold or hot!) to make a lovely hot coffee drink. I also know many people for whom it's the go-to for iced coffee in the summer. it's a staple in many British homes, if not for drinking, then for baking. Almost every dessert recipe I've seen calling for a coffee flavour or essence, can be satisfied with a teaspoon of this. My Mum's coffee cake (and my grandma's coffee caramel tart both meant they would keep a bottle of Camp in the larder. Known for its distinctive, syrupy texture and rich, sweet taste. It has become a household name in the UK, evoking nostalgia for many who remember its comforting flavour, and a staple for bakers and dessert-makers seeking a good coffee taste.
The origins of the brand can be traced to 1876 in Scotland. It was developed by two brothers, William and Robert H. McKinnell, who initially ran a small coffee roasting business in Glasgow. At this time, coffee consumption was becoming more popular in Britain, but home preparation of coffee was still a challenge, especially in the busy,rapidly industrializing society. The McKinnell brothers sought to create a convenient solution for those who wanted a quick, easy coffee without the need for brewing grounds or expensive equipment.
Their innovation was a coffee essence, a concentrated liquid that could be mixed with water or milk to create a coffee drink. The resulting product was sweetened with sugar and flavored with chicory, which was common in coffee blends of that era (chicory still being popular in areas where French influence on coffee is present). It was marketed as "Camp Coffee," with the name evoking a sense of adventure and outdoor life. The term "camp" was used to suggest a portable, convenient drink that could be enjoyed in all situations, from the battlefield to the wilderness.
One of the defining features of Camp Coffee is its distinctive packaging, which remains largely unchanged to this day. The product was originally sold in a small, squat glass bottle with a label featuring a silhouette of a Sikh soldier, which was added in the early 20th century. The soldier, dressed in traditional uniform, became a recognizable symbol of the brand, and the label design was meant to suggest that the product was strong, exotic, and enduring. This image, though controversial today, became one of the most iconic representations of the brand. Older labels show the Sikh soldier serving a white soldier, and understandably this raised eyebrows in some sectors of society. Modern labelling shows the two soldiers sitting together in partnership rather than suggesting a master/servant relationship that was suggestive of British imperialism.
During World War I and World War II, Camp Coffee gained significant popularity, particularly among soldiers. The product was marketed as an ideal, quick and energizing drink for soldiers on the go. It became synonymous with convenience, strength, and comfort, qualities that resonated with those enduring the hardships of war.
In the decades following the wars, Camp Coffee continued to grow in popularity, especially as British society underwent significant changes. Coffee drinking became a more mainstream activity, and dried instant coffee products began to gain a foothold in the market. Camp Coffee evolved with these changes, adapting its formula and marketing to cater to a broader audience.
In the 1950s and 1960s, as home coffee machines and dry instant coffee began to become more common, Camp Coffee shifted its branding. The company began to market its product not just as an outdoor or military necessity, but as a versatile ingredient for home coffee drinks and recipes. This period saw the rise of coffee culture in the UK, and Camp Coffee sought to be part of this new trend by introducing new formats and flavours.
In the latter part of the 20th century and into the 21st century, Camp Coffee experienced significant changes in ownership. In 1984, it was acquired by the company C.V. McKinley, and in the early 2000s, the brand underwent a modern rebranding. The classic glass bottles were replaced with more contemporary packaging, while the formula was adjusted to reflect changes in consumer tastes, including a shift towards less sugary and more ethically sourced products.
Despite these changes, Camp Coffee has maintained its place as a British coffee icon. The brand has successfully navigated the growing interest in high-quality, artisan coffee by reintroducing more premium offerings alongside its classic sweetened coffee essence. Today, Camp Coffee stands as one of the oldest coffee brands in the UK, beloved by those who grew up with it and continuing to captivate new generations. The product still offers a distinctive taste that is uniquely British, with a blend of sweetness and strong coffee flavour. Although the company no longer uses the controversial image of the Sikh soldier, the brand's historical legacy continues to influence its place in the market. Camp Coffee is now part of a more ethical, modern coffee landscape, but its nostalgic appeal endures, as well as the pragmatic benefit for those wanting a quick and satisfying coffee when out of the home. In years past i did indeed take it camping and found it an excellent on-the-go substitute in a pinch.