On Saturday, June 17 in the town of Santa Elena in Entre Ríos province, a special event took place: the presentation of a plaque to the memory of Sir George Lawson-Johnston, K.B.E., Baron Luke of Pavenham.

But who was Lord Luke?

Lord Luke of Pavenham was a British businessman and peer who played a significant role in the development of Bovril, a beef extract that is still popular today. Born in 1873, he was the son of John Lawson-Johnston, the founder of Bovril. Luke worked in Canada, Australia, Africa, and Argentina, where he developed expertise in trade and raw materials. In 1896, he returned to England and joined the board of Bovril Ltd., of which he became vice-chairman in 1900.

Luke traveled to Santa Elena to oversee the construction of a new Bovril factory, and it was there that he developed his expertise, gaining a first-hand understanding of beef production and processing.

The Santa Elena factory was a major success, and helped to make Bovril one of the most popular beef extract brands in the world. Luke’s work in Santa Elena was instrumental in the development of Bovril, and it helped to solidify the company’s position as a global leader in the beef extract industry.

Bovril is a thick, salty meat extract paste, similar to a yeast extract. It is sold in a distinctive bulbous jar and as cubes and granules. Bovril is owned and distributed by Unilever UK and produced in Burton on Trent in England. 

Popular on its own or in a sandwich, Bovril can be made into a drink (referred to in the UK as a “beef tea”) by diluting it with hot water or, less commonly, milk. It can also be used as a flavoring for soups, broth, stews and porridge, or as a spread, especially on toast in a similar fashion to Marmite and Vegemite. It is a good source of iron and B vitamins.

Once, the brand sparked anger by changing its composition from beef to yeast amid concerns about mad-cow disease and the growing popularity of vegetarianism. After prolonged criticism that the product had lost its taste, Unilever relented and reintroduced beef extract.

The Santa Elena factory was the first Bovril factory to be built outside the United Kingdom and the factory’s construction led to the influx of British workers into Santa Elena. A small British community soon developed in the town, largely made up of factory workers, engineers, and managers. As in other places, the British community in Santa Elena declined in the 20th century, as the factory closed and Argentina’s British population dwindled.

The promoter of this commemoration was Mr George Page, who grew up in Santa Elena and considered it fair that Lord Luke’s legacy not be forgotten. As one of the tasks of the Argentine-British Community Council is to commemorate the British legacy in Argentina, the local Entre Rios branch organized a fundraiser tea at the Santa Elena Golf Club for the plaque presentation event. Founded in 1921 by the Bovril company, it is the oldest golf course in the province.

What also made the event unique was the presence of two bagpipers who came up from Buenos Aires and provided the necessary pomp and circumstance for such a special day.

Luke’s legacy in Argentina is one of innovation and philanthropy. He was a pioneer in the development of Bovril, and also made significant contributions to hospitals and charities. He was a respected businessman and dedicated public servant, and his work has had a lasting impact on many. 

Bovril ceased to operate in Santa Elena in June 1973. Today, this town of nearly 18,000, which sits on the eastern bank of the Paraná River some 526 kilometers from Buenos Aires, is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, fishing, and ecotourism.

Nevertheless, the factory continued as a meat packing company with new owners. The factory, closed since 1993, is a reminder of Lord Luke Pavenham’s important role in the development of Bovril, and is a testament to the company’s long and successful history; and the link between Santa Elena, Bovril, and the British community in Argentina is a fascinating one. It is a story of economic development, cultural exchange, and immigration. 

It is also a story of the importance of food in our lives!