Can You Still Get Fray Bentos Corned Beef? Tracking Down a Discontinued Classic

Fray Bentos corned beef was once a beloved canned meat icon in the UK, but over time it has disappeared from store shelves, leaving fans wondering if it’s possible to still get this nostalgic product. Let’s take a historical journey to uncover the story behind the rise and fall of the famous Fray Bentos brand.

A Look Back at Fray Bentos Corned Beef

The Fray Bentos food company has its origins in 1865 in the South American town of Fray Bentos, Uruguay. That’s where German chemist Justus von Liebig opened a factory to produce Oxo beef extract. By 1873, the factory began canning corned beef to export to Britain under the Fray Bentos label.

The affordable canned corned beef quickly became a hit with the British working class Its popularity surged even more when it was added to army rations during World War I. Soldiers enjoyed it so much they used “Fray Bentos” as slang to mean something tasty or good quality

Over the following decades Fray Bentos corned beef evolved into a beloved household staple across Britain. The rectangular cans with the iconic key logo were popped open to enjoy the fatty beef slices in sandwiches or served with vegetables for an easy meal. For many it was a fond taste of childhood.

When Production Was Halted

In the 1960s and 1970s, authentic Fray Bentos corned beef was still made at the Vestey Group’s Anglo meat packing plant in Fray Bentos, Uruguay However, the factory stopped production in 1979 when the Uruguayan government took over operations This marked the end of real Fray Bentos corned beef originating from the town that inspired its name.

In subsequent decades, ownership of the Fray Bentos brand for the UK market changed hands between different food companies. The focus shifted towards meat pies and away from corned beef. By 1993 when Campbell’s Soup Company acquired the brand, the corned beef range was discontinued entirely.

Confirmation It Was Discontinued

In 2021, superfan Andy Presley started a petition to revive Fray Bentos tinned corned beef. However, after contacting brand owner Baxters, he received confirmation that it had indeed been permanently discontinued years ago due to lack of consumer demand.

A 2022 Facebook post from the official Fray Bentos account further solidified that the corned beef is gone for good. Responding to nostalgic comments about the missed product, the brand stated:

“We no longer sell corned beef and have no plans to reintroduce it in the future. Our focus remains on making great quality meat pies.”

For loyalists who miss the corned beef of the past, it seems this iconic food will now only live on in memory. Fray Bentos meat pies are still available, but the original corned beef range is a discontinued relic of British food history.

Trying to Recreate the Magic at Home

If you grew up eating Fray Bentos corned beef, you may crave its distinctive flavor. Aside from finding a well-preserved vintage tin, there may be ways to approximate the experience:

• Make homemade corned beef with high-quality brisket and less salt for a less salty result.

• Look for lower sodium canned options without preservatives or artificial ingredients.

• Boost flavor by adding spices like peppercorns, bay leaves, and mustard seeds.

• Bake or fry slices for a tender texture closer to the original.

• Serve on thick bread or crackers for a nostalgic sandwich.

With care and quality ingredients, you can come close to the corned beef of the past. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

In Pursuit of Other Discontinued Favorites

The tale of Fray Bentos corned beef highlights the ephemeral nature of iconic food brands we once took for granted. Fans cling to fond memories of discontinued or limited edition products like:

• Crystal Pepsi – Clear cola from the 1990s
• Ghostbusters Cereal – Tie-in to the 1984 film
• Jell-O 1-2-3 – Multitextured gelatin dessert
• Sprite Remix – Tropical fruit soda from 2003
• McDonald’s Szechuan Sauce – Promotion for 1998’s Mulan film

The nostalgia for these long-gone items keeps their legacy alive among devotees. Although a permanent return is unlikely, their stories prompt lively recollections of the past.

Keeping the Memory Alive

While aficionados were disappointed to confirm the demise of Fray Bentos corned beef, the shared fondness for this cultural icon will endure. Its role in British food history deserves commemoration. From army rations to family dinners, its memory will live on for generations.

The key is sustaining the conversation, both celebrating Fray Bentos corned beef and lamenting its absence. As long as it remains etched in collective memory, the joy it once delivered continues to enrich our food narrative over time.