The firm of Wilkinson & Co was founded by Alfred Wilkinson in 1882 with the opening of a small grocery store in Marlborough Chambers. Wilkinson acquired the wholesale grocery business of William Morgan & Company of Currie Street, in 1884, and the business grew steadily. The enlarged company moved to bigger premises in Freeman Street.
In a few years a still larged building was required, and in 1898 a warehouse in Grenfell Street, Adelaide, was specially built to accomodate the company's business. In 1909 it was found imperative to make additions, and 45,000 square feet of floor space was added.
The latest machinery in all departments was installed, and the company turned out on a large scale it's well known brands of teas, coffee, self-raising flour, and general groceries.
Among the trade marks used were Viceroy; Pansy; Mandarin; Gold Medal; and Welfare teas.
The Grenfell Street premises were sold to the Post Master General in 1951, and used as a mail exchange. The goodwill and use of the trade mark 'Arab' was transferred to Bunge (Aust) Proprietary Ltd, on March 31, 1955.