The Sweet History of York – new visitor attraction planned for the city

York has always been a sweet city and has a long association with confectionery production, dating back to the 18th century.

Two of the best-known chocolate producers in the world, Rowntree and Terry’s, were founded in York and here they created some of the UK’s most popular brands, including:

Kit Kat – at one time, the best selling chocolate bar in the world (indeed, when Kit Kat’s market share was being eroded by Cadbury’s new brand Dairy Milk, Rowntree responded by creating limited-edition variations of the Kit Kat (mint, orange, etc.) a tactic which succeeded in reversing the decline in sales and which has since been adopted by Nestlé, Mars and other confectionary producers throughout the world)

Smarties – previously known as chocolate beans – the orange smartie contains orange-flavoured chocolate

Aero – chocolate bar filled with bubbles

Polo – the mint with the hole

Fruit Pastilles, Fruit Gums, Tooty Frooties & Jelly Tots

Black Magic

Terry’s Chocolate Orange

Terry’s All Gold

Now, to celebrate York’s rich confectionery heritage, the company behind the Jorvik Viking Centre is planning a new venture – a chocolate-themed attraction in the heart of the City – The Sweet History of York.

Currently in the planning stages, Continuum hope to open the new visitor attraction prior to next year’s Olympics.

For further information, visit Continuum’s website here, and if you’re looking to stay in the wonderful city of York, check out a York hotel or York B&B on Hello Yorkshire.