Rowntrees

Introduction

The Rowntree family, especially Henry and the younger Joseph Rowntree, are, along with the Fry's, Cadbury's, Mars, and Terry's, synonymous with the birth and growth of the chocolate industry in Britain. Between them, they were the chocolate industry in Britain. This book charts the fascinating story behind the birth and development of the chocolate empire that was Rowntrees.

Background and Early History

Background information to this astonishing business comes by way of chapters on the early history of the Rowntrees, contemporary York, the relationship between Quakers and chocolate, and the Tuke family – without whom there would have been no Rowntrees, and no Kit Kats.

Henry Rowntree

Henry, it is usually forgotten, was the founder of Rowntree's – he made the momentous decision to sign the deal with the Tukes. We join him in those very early days of the fledgling company and watch how he helped it through some very dark, and sometimes humorous, times in what was then a very shambolic set up – cash strapped and making it up as the company lurched from crisis to crisis.

Joseph Rowntree

Joseph, his elder brother, was the driving force to eventual global success, mixing his hectic business life with acts of compassion and a benevolent management model, all of which paved the way for decent wages, pensions, insurance, and mutual respect in the workplace.

Charity and Social Work

Charity work extended beyond the factories to lift workers and others out of the slums of York to a life in a healthy model village, to provide a good social life, an extensive park, swimming pool, and education for children and adults.

Additional Context

More context is given with chapters on Joseph's relentless industrial espionage, the advancements in chocolate production, 20th-century rivals in the domestic and export markets, and mergers and acquisitions. Rowntree's role in the two world wars is also covered along with the struggle Joseph Rowntree had accepting the importance of advertising.

Conclusion

Altogether, this book gives two fascinating biographies of two exceptional and driven brothers who came together to form one of our greatest companies – producing some of our best-loved confectionery products.