In 1767, the origins of Terry's of York can be traced back to Messrs Bayldon and Berry, who began selling candied fruit peel to York's residents. Their business flourished with the addition of Joseph Terry, leading to the creation of a leading confectionery company known for iconic products like the Terry's Chocolate Orange.
1825 saw the establishment of Philippe Suchard's first confectionery shop in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Suchard’s innovation and dedication laid the foundation for a brand that would become synonymous with high-quality chocolate.
1867 marked the beginning of Johann Jakob Tobler’s confectionery business in Berne, Switzerland. Tobler’s family later introduced the world to the Toblerone™ bar, a unique triangular chocolate bar that remains a global favorite.
In 1892, a blend of coffee was created specifically for the Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee. This blend's popularity led to the brand Maxwell House™, which became a household name across the United States.
1895 was a significant year for coffee in Europe, with Johann Jacobs establishing Jacobs Kaffee in Bremen, Germany. Jacobs Kaffee rapidly grew to become one of Europe's premier coffee companies, recognized for its quality and innovation.
James L. Kraft entered the food industry in 1903 by opening a wholesale cheese business in Chicago. By 1914, Kraft was manufacturing its own cheese, laying the groundwork for what would become a major player in the global food market.
The 1920s were a transformative period for these industries. In 1923, Kenyan coffee growers formed a cooperative to distribute high-quality beans in Britain, which eventually became the Kenco™ Coffee Company in 1962. By 1924, JL Kraft had opened its first European sales office in London. In 1928, Kraft merged with The Phoenix Cheese Corporation, renowned for Philadelphia™ Cheese, enhancing its product portfolio.
The consolidation continued with Maxwell House™ and other notable brands merging under General Foods Corporation in 1929. This consolidation strategy helped streamline operations and expand market reach.
The post-World War II era saw further expansion. In 1947, General Foods acquired Alfred Bird and Sons Ltd, famous for Bird's Custard. The merging trend persisted into the late 20th century, with Suchard merging with Tobler in 1970 and Jacobs Kaffee merging with Suchard-Tobler in 1982 to form Jacobs Suchard.
A significant development occurred in 1985 when General Foods Corporation was acquired by Philip Morris Companies Inc. This acquisition marked the beginning of Philip Morris's aggressive expansion into the food sector. In 1987, Kenco™ was bought by General Foods, establishing it as the leading soluble coffee company in the UK.
In 1988, Kraft Inc. also became part of Philip Morris, creating the world's largest consumer products company. This led to the formation of Kraft General Foods in 1989. The acquisition of Jacobs Suchard in 1990 propelled Kraft General Foods to the forefront of the European coffee and confectionery markets.
The acquisition spree continued with Kraft General Foods acquiring Terry's of York in 1993, consolidating its position in the confectionery sector. The formation of Kraft Jacobs Suchard in 1994 integrated the Kraft, General Foods, and Jacobs Suchard businesses, enhancing their market presence.
The new millennium brought further expansion. In 2000, Kraft Foods' parent company, Philip Morris Companies Inc., acquired Nabisco Holdings, a leader in biscuits and snacks. This acquisition bolstered Kraft's product offerings. By 2001, Philip Morris Companies Inc. offered an Initial Public Offering for Kraft Foods, marking its transition to a publicly traded company.
This historical narrative highlights the strategic decisions and innovations that have shaped the confectionery and coffee industries. From humble beginnings to global dominance, these brands have continually evolved, adapting to changing market dynamics and consumer preferences.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Dominance: The Evolution of Iconic Confectionery and Coffee Brands
