Terry’s of York: A Sweet Legacy

Since its humble beginnings in 1767, Terry’s of York has woven itself into the fabric of confectionery history. Founded by Mr. William Bayldon and Mr. Robert Berry, the company started by selling candied fruit peel to the locals of York. Their innovative use of sugar, a relatively new arrival at the time, revolutionized the consumption of medicines, with sugar-coated pills gaining popularity.

In 1823, Joseph Terry, marrying into the Berry family, elevated the company to new heights by becoming a partner, leading to the formation of "Terry and Berry". After Robert Berry's departure, the business was christened as "Terry’s", a name synonymous with quality and innovation.

The iconic site on Bishopthorpe Road served as the epicenter of Terry’s confectionery production until its closure in 2005. At its peak, the plant employed over 700 people, churning out beloved treats like Terry’s All Gold. The brand found a new home under the ownership of Kraft Jacobs Suchard in 1993, ensuring its continued presence in the global market.

Under the leadership of Frank Terry and his son Noel, Terry’s expanded its repertoire, introducing classics such as Spartan, All Gold, and the legendary Terry’s Chocolate Orange. These products not only delighted taste buds but also solidified Terry’s reputation as a purveyor of indulgence and quality.

Despite the closure of its historic site, Terry’s legacy lives on, immortalized in the hearts and memories of confectionery enthusiasts worldwide. From its humble beginnings to its international acclaim, Terry’s of York remains a testament to the enduring allure of sweet indulgence.
Terry’s of York: A Sweet Legacy

History of Kerr’s Candy

Kerr's, a long-standing confectionery company in Canada, is renowned for its production of traditional Canadian candy. The company was established in 1895 by Edward and Albert Kerr, two Scottish brothers who immigrated to Canada. Initially, they opened a prosperous candy shop and bakery in St. Thomas, Ontario. After three years, the Kerr brothers sold the bakery and relocated their business to Brantford, Ontario, just outside Hamilton.

In Brantford, the Kerrs expanded their operations and set up six confectionery factories, where they manufactured a wide range of candies and chocolates. In 1904, Kerr's began marketing their first foil-wrapped candies and later moved their headquarters to Toronto, aiming to be closer to their primary suppliers. It was during this time that they also started producing foil-wrapped chocolate bar confections.

During World War II, Kerr's introduced their own version of molasses candy. Additionally, the company achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first in North America to create "Light No Sugar Added" candy using the polydextrose and sucralose recipe. Furthermore, Kerr's was among the pioneers in Canada to produce lollipops.

While Kerr's expanded its presence globally in 1907, it eventually withdrew from the US market in 1957. Nevertheless, the company has been successfully selling its toffees, mints, and lollipops within Canada for over a century. By the 1960s, Kerr's Candy had phased out the sale of chocolates, focusing on their expertise: candies with crinkling wrappers.

For more than 125 years, Kerr's Candy has delighted Canadians with a variety of beloved treats, including Lollipops, Caramels, Butterscotch, Scotch Mints, Striped Mints, Toffee, Fruit Drops, and charming little strawberry candies.
History of Kerr’s Candy

History of Italian chocolatier and confectionery Perugina

Perugina is an Italian chocolatier and confectionery based in Perugia (Umbria), Italy. The company was founded in 1907, but it was acquired by Swiss-based multinational food and beverage company Nestle in 1988.

This company was founded by four partners, including Francesco Buitoni one of the founder of the Buitoni food company.  By 1922, the company employed about 400 workers, 300 of them women.

In 1922, the company launched its famous Bacio Perugina and between the wars expanded rapidly to become a leader in the sector of chocolate and sweets production.

Both Buitoni and Perugina expanded internationally in the 1930s, first to France and then to the United States with further expansion after World War II.

Perugina Chocolate House founded in Perugia in 2007, where visitors may discover the origins of chocolate, the black gold of the Maya; learn the art of chocolate making; and the history of the Perugina brand.

Perugina’s most popular products in the United States are its Baci, (which means ‘kisses’ in Italian), composed of chocolate and hazelnuts.
History of Italian chocolatier and confectionery Perugina