The story of BRAND'S Essence of Chicken is a fascinating journey that spans two centuries, originating in a royal kitchen and evolving into a modern, scientifically-backed health supplement trusted by millions across Asia. Its history is a rich tapestry of royal heritage, commercial innovation, and strategic expansion .

Here is the brand story, broken down into key historical phases.

👑 The Royal Origins (1820s - 1835)

The brand's story begins in the 1820s in the royal kitchens of London's Buckingham Palace . Henderson William Brand, chef to King George IV, was tasked with a unique challenge: to create a nourishing and easily digestible tonic to support the ailing health of the monarch . His solution was a fat-free, concentrated chicken essence, effectively a chicken consommé that captured the vital nutrients of the meat in a form that was gentle on the stomach . This "royal broth" proved so successful that after Chef Brand retired from royal service in 1835, he decided to share his creation with the public, commercializing it as a food supplement for invalids and convalescents .

🚢 From London to Asia: A Global Journey (1900s - 1970s)

The product quickly gained renown throughout the British Empire in the early 1900s . The pivotal moment for the brand's future came in the 1920s, when it arrived on the shores of Asia, carried by British expatriates . As was common at the time, local caretakers and staff in British households observed their employers consuming this essence. Curious about its benefits, they began incorporating it into their own family care practices, leading to a natural and organic growth in popularity across the region . By the 1970s, the product had become a household staple in many Asian countries, sought after for its health and energy-enhancing properties . A significant step in its regional commitment was the establishment of its first manufacturing facility in Thailand in 1974 .

💼 The Cerebos and Suntory Era: Science and Expansion (1959 - Present)

The brand's corporate journey is as eventful as its cultural one. In 1959, the original Brand & Co. Ltd was acquired by Cerebos Ltd, a UK-based food company . This marked the beginning of a period of consolidation and strategic growth, with Cerebos Pacific Limited later becoming the powerhouse behind the brand in the Asia-Pacific region .

The most significant turning point came in 1990, when the Japanese beverage giant Suntory Holdings Limited acquired Cerebos Pacific Limited . This acquisition brought immense resources and a commitment to scientific research. Under Suntory, the brand transformed from a traditional remedy into a modern health supplement. The company invested heavily in research, resulting in over 20 scientific papers that clinically demonstrated its efficacy in improving concentration, memory, and reducing mental fatigue .

This period also saw major product innovations, such as:

• 1982: The launch of the world's first bottled Bird's Nest .

• 2000: The expansion into health supplement tablets .

• 2005: Introduction of a patented triple-safety cap for its core bottled products .

In 2018, while the food and coffee division of Cerebos was sold to Kraft Heinz, Suntory retained the health supplements division, ensuring that BRAND'S remained under the Suntory Group's umbrella, where it continues to be developed and marketed today .

📈 The Brand Today: A Legacy of Trust

Today, BRAND'S Essence of Chicken is a market leader in the chicken essence category, holding a dominant share in countries like Malaysia . It is now available in 19 countries, with over 150 million bottles sold worldwide . Thailand serves as the regional production hub, with three modern factories producing 350 million bottles annually for export across the globe .

The brand's story is a remarkable example of how a product born from a single act of royal care has, through strategic vision and scientific validation, become a trusted part of daily life for millions, helping people across generations to lead healthier, more vibrant lives.