ABOUT US

From our very first day, we’ve tried to go the extra mile for our customers, taking experiences from our long history to build our exciting future.

Originally founded in 1875, today H Foster offers globally sourced products of the highest quality, giving us an unequalled reputation as a reliable supplier. We provide a personal service, offering you advice, quality products and innovative ingredients.

For stock that we hold on our warehouse floor, you can expect a quick delivery as we will aim to dispatch your order within 24 hours. For specialist products, please contact us to get a lead time.

We’re ISO 9001: 2015 and ISO 14001: 2015 accredited and a Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) Associate Member.

Our Timeline

1875

Henry Foster and his son Joseph began the H Foster business, specialising in the manufacture of products from tallow and wool grease to supply the leather and textiles industries.

an old truck with barrels on the back is parked in front of a building .

a black and white photo of a horse pulling a cart full of barrels

1900

The business moved to 103, Kirkstall Road in Leeds, with the third generation of the family, Joseph Foster, at the head.

1920s

Haulage company (the first in the area to run tankers) was formed to deliver products in bulk.

a rusty valve with the word airpel on it

a bar of soap with the words chai tea with sweet orange and clove on it

1960

The fourth generation of Fosters were leading the company, with Henry, Chris and Richard Foster managing the business. They returned to tallow as a raw material as the wool business was declining in the West Riding of Yorkshire.

2006

Chris and Richard Foster entered into talks with Geoffrey and Simon Eggar about a buy-out of the business.

a man with a beard is standing next to a barrel in a black and white photo .

a red brick building with a sign that says h foster & co

1st August 2006

H Foster became a wholly owned subsidiary of Eggar Holdings, with Geoffrey Eggar as Chairman and Simon Eggar as Managing Director.

2012

We launched our e-commerce business hfostersoaponline.co.uk

purple soap is stacked on top of each other on a wooden table .

a man is working on a blue barrel in a warehouse .

2016

Eggar Holdings is renamed H Foster 1875 Ltd. From 1st September 2016, the majority of the H Foster & Co Ltd. business has been transferred to H Foster 1875.