Tiger Brands, the company that now owns Beacon, has a long history dating back to the early 1900s. Tiger Brands’ predecessor, Tiger Oats, was formed in the 1940s out of a trading company started by the Frankel family. Tiger Oats grew over the years by acquiring related companies and diversifying into a wide range of food products. In 1999 Tiger Oats bought 90% and later 100% of Beacon Sweets and Chocolates.