Book Description

A deliciously illustrated historical tour of England’s “chocolate city.” In the nineteenth century, York was renowned for confectionery—particularly chocolate. Treats like Kit Kat, Fruit Gums, All Gold, and Butterkist were made by York companies Rowntree’s, Terry’s, and M.A. Craven and Son. This new book is the first to chart the history of chocolate and confectionery manufacture and marketing by York companies, from their origins in the eighteenth century through to recent takeovers by Nestle, Tangerine, and Kraft. Revolutionary new products such as Easter eggs in the 1870s and chocolate assortments in the 1890s are covered—along with such crucial turn-of-the-century developments as milk chocolate and the chocolate bar. The significance to the industry of the Quaker movement is discussed, along with an examination of the impact of the world wars and the intervening depression. Fully illustrated throughout, this book provides both an enlightening view of the chocolate industry—from production, quality control, distribution, and marketing to packaging, design, and branding—as well a tasty morsel of British history.