About Us - Cranbrook Flavours

About cranbrook flavours

Cranbrook was founded in Newtown in July 1984 by Peter, Enid and Michael Johnstone.

We started by producing our flavours in 50kg batches in a manual mixer. As our name and flavours grew, so did the need for more space. Over the next two decades, we moved to our ever-larger premises before finally building our customised flavour HQ in Spartan in 2005.

We produce tons of savoury and sweet flavours every day. We develop all our own flavours in-house, from concept to final approval. By creating new opportunities for skilled employment and training, we’re contributing to South Africa’s economic transformation.

About cranbrook flavours

Cranbrook was founded in Newtown in July 1984 by Peter, Enid and Michael Johnstone.

OUR MISSION

Lead, Grow, Deliver.

OUR VISION

To use our footprints of yesterday, to stand with purpose today, to step into our future tomorrow.

meet the team

The Cranbrook Flavours family recognises the generational dedication given to the pursuit of excellence in the flavour industry by key individuals over the decades. To honour these lifetimes of commitment, the Cranbrook Flavours family has paid tribute by dedicating our flavour codes to them.

PJ CODE Powders

This code is the initials of Peter
Johnstone who founded the business
in 1984. Peter retired from Cranbrook
Flavours in 1996 leaving his two sons,
Michael and Andrew, to continue
growing the legacy of the company.

MJ CODE Liquids

This code represents Michael
Johnstone, who joined his father Peter
in 1984. He retired in 2023, passing the
business to the next generation of
Johnstones. Michael spearheaded
Cranbrook Flavours’ expansion, shaping
its reputation during his 39-year career
in the flavour industry.

AJ CODE Colours

This code is the initials of Andrew Johnstone who joined his dad, Peter and brother, Michael in 1991. Andrew went on to lead the organization alongside Michael and played a key role in the company expansion and building a strong team culture at
Cranbrook Flavours.

EJ CODE Processed Spice

This code represents Enid
Johnstone, Peter’s wife, mother,
and grandmother to Cranbrook’s
next generations. A strong, kind
woman, who played a critical
support role, enabling her husband
and sons to build a legacy business.
Her impact made it all possible.

KJ CODE Fragrances

This code represents Kevin
Johnstone, Michael’s eldest son,
who joined in 2013 and has led since
2017. Initially with his dad and uncle,
he now leads alongside his brother
Sean and cousin Conor, guiding
Cranbrook Flavours into a new
chapter of its legacy.

SJ CODE Aroma Chemicals

This code is the initials of Sean
Johnstone, Michael’s youngest son
and Kevin’s brother, who joined in
2016. Sean held various operational
leadership roles and became a
company director by the end of 2023,
playing a crucial role in shaping
Cranbrook Flavours’ future.

CJ CODE Spraydry

This code represents Conor
Johnstone, Andrew’s son, who joined
in 2018. Following family tradition, he
began at the bottom and gained
comprehensive organizational
knowledge. Conor assumed a
leadership position by late 2023,
contributing to Cranbrook Flavours’
dynamic leadership team.

VJ CODE Emulsions

This code is dedicated to Victoria Johnstone, daughter of Andrew. Although Victoria pursued a successful career in a different industry, she remains a cherished member of the Johnstone family and a valued part of the legacy of Cranbrook Flavours.