Draft:David Strang
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David Strang | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1847 Glasgow, Scotland |
| Died | 1916 (aged 68–69) Invercargill, New Zealand |
| Occupations | Coffee merchant, food chemist, inventor |
| Known for | Inventing instant coffee (1890) |
| Spouse | Mary Jane Ramsey (m. 1877) |
David Strang (1847 – 17 July 1916) was a Scottish-born New Zealand coffee merchant and inventor from Invercargill. In 1890, he was granted New Zealand Patent No. 3518 for "Strang's Patent Soluble Dry Coffee-Powder", which represents the earliest known patented process for commercially produced instant coffee. [1]
Early life
[edit]Strang was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1847. His father was a tobacco pipe maker and he worked in a Glasgow coffee house up until his father’s death.
Following the death of his father, he emigrated to New Zealand in 1863 aboard the Harwood, arriving at Bluff with his family.
Career and invention
[edit]In 1872, Strang established a coffee mill and eventually diversified into the "David Strang, Coffee and Spice Works" at 118 Esk Street in Invercargill. The business manufactured ground coffee, spices, and flavorings, winning awards at intercolonial exhibitions across Christchurch, Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide.
On 28 January 1889, Strang submitted a patent application in Wellington for a unique hot-air drying process to produce soluble coffee powder. New Zealand Patent No. 3518 was officially granted in 1890 under the name "Strang's Patent Soluble Dry Coffee-Powder". This invention predates the instant coffee process patented by Japanese chemist Satori Kato in 1901.
Legacy
[edit]Strang died in Invercargill on 17 July 1916. He is buried in Invercargill’s Eastern Cemetery. His business was continued by his son James until its closure in 1966. The former David Strang Limited Building at 100 Esk Street, Invercargill, constructed in 1912, is registered as a Category 2 historic place by Heritage New Zealand. [2] As well as his former home, the Strang House on 211 Yarrow Street, designed by Richard Marshall in 1907. [3]
References
[edit]- ↑ "David Strang, who patented instant coffee in 1890". NEWS WIRE. 2026-06-30. Retrieved 2026-09-29.
- ↑ "David Strang Limited Building (Former)". www.heritage.org.nz. Retrieved 2026-09-29.
- ↑ "Strang House". www.heritage.org.nz. Retrieved 2026-09-29.
- "David Strang Limited Building (Former)". Heritage New Zealand. Retrieved 2026-09-29.
- Jones, Bridget (16 December 2012). "Instant coffee invented down south". Stuff / Southland Times. Retrieved 2026-09-29.
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