Douglas Eastick joined the RAF for the duration of the war. Charles came out of retirement to run Ragus, ably assisted by Hilda Osbourne the company secretary.
Shortly after the war honey was severely rationed. Happily Charles still had time for one last innovation - 'Golden Shower' Crystallised Golden Syrup. This was sold in grocery shops as an alternative to honey, remaining popular until honey once again became available.
As the demand for honey rose, Ragus began to sell a range of honeys to replace its Crystallised Golden Syrup. In the 1960s, the company had its own bee farms and this led, in 1963, to Ragus inventing Crystallised Bee Candy Feed.
As the 1960s and 70s progressed, Ragus’ sales of raw sugar increased, alongside its syrup sales – 'invert', 'golden' and speciality mixes. The company also started selling white refined sugar and as a result the workforce almost doubled.
The post war sugar industry had seen more and more companies merging. By 1957 there were just 21 companies, though the confectioner/food manufacturer still had a wide choice of supplier. Twenty years later however the majority of refiners had been taken over by the amalgamated company of Henry Tate and Abram Lyle. With strikes affecting the British sugar industry, just three manufacturers remained. Ragus the only private company left; it celebrated its Golden Jubilee under the proud slogan: 1928-1978 and still independent! The company still holds this unique position today.
