Rowntree's
Nestlé UK Ltd.[1] (UK: /ˈnɛsleɪ/ NESS-lay), trading as Rowntree's (/ˈraʊntriːz/ ROWN-treez), is a British confectionery brand and a former business based in York, England. Rowntree developed the Kit Kat (introduced in 1935), Aero (introduced in 1935), Fruit Pastilles (introduced in 1881), Smarties (introduced in 1937) brands, and the Rolo and Quality Street brands when it merged with Mackintosh's in 1969 to form Rowntree Mackintosh Confectionery. Rowntree's also launched After Eight thin mint chocolates in 1962. The Yorkie and Lion bars were introduced in 1976. Rowntree's also pioneered the festive selection box (a gift consisting of assorted bars and sweets) which in the UK have been a staple gift at Christmas for over a century.[2]
For the joint venture (1969–1988) with Mackintosh Co., see Rowntree Mackintosh Confectionery.Rowntree's
- Rowntree Mackintosh P L C (1897–1987)[1]
- Rowntree Limited (1987–1991)[1]
1862
York, England
- Jelly Tots
- Randoms
- Fruit Gums
- Fruit Pastilles
- Cowan Company of Toronto
- Gale's
- Hoadley's
- Hot Sam Pretzels
- Menier
- Laura Secord
- Tom's Foods
Founded in 1862, the company developed strong associations with Quaker philanthropy.[3] Throughout much of the 19th and 20th centuries, it was one of the big three confectionery manufacturers in the United Kingdom, alongside Cadbury and Fry, both also founded by Quakers.[4]
In 1981, Rowntree's received the Queen's Award for Enterprise for outstanding contribution to international trade.[5] In 1988, when the company was acquired by Nestlé, it was the fourth-largest confectionery manufacturer in the world.[6] The Rowntree brand continues to be used to market Nestlé's jelly sweet brands, such as Fruit Gums and Fruit Pastilles. Rowntree’s ceased to exist as a corporate entity in 1991, becoming Nestlé UK.[7]
History[edit]
Victorian era[edit]
Rowntree's was founded in 1862 at Castlegate, in York, by Henry Isaac Rowntree, a Quaker, as the company manager bought out the Tuke family.[8][9]
In 1864, Rowntree acquired an old iron foundry at Tanners Moat for £1,000, and moved production there.[10] In 1869, the factory was staffed by 12 men.[11] By 1869, Rowntree was in financial difficulties and his brother, Joseph Rowntree, joined him in full partnership, and H.I. Rowntree & Co was formally established.[10]
Advertising[edit]
The company largely eschewed advertising before its establishment as a public company in 1897, when it employed S. H. Benson as its agency.[48] Before 1930, the company considered that quality products would speak for themselves, and did not need advertising to sell their benefits.[49]
In 1932, Rowntree changed their agency to the London branch of J. Walter Thompson.[23]
