S & B Herba Foods Limited

Following the end of the First World War in 1919, Messrs. Spencer, Fooks, and Brotherton established a cereals trading company to help address widespread shortages in essential food commodities. Their mission was to ensure a stable supply of basic foods during a time of scarcity.

Richard A. Stevens soon joined the founding team, and in 1938 the company was renamed Stevens & Brotherton Limited, with rice trading becoming the foundation of its business.

During the Second World War, the company deepened its relationships with customers and expanded into the supply of canned goods, further strengthening its position in the market.

A pivotal partnership was later formed with Riviana Foods Inc. of Houston, Texas—an influential player in the rice industry. This collaboration flourished, leading to Riviana Foods’ acquisition of Stevens & Brotherton in 1975, marking the beginning of a period of significant growth. The following year, in 1976, Riviana Foods became part of Colgate-Palmolive.