Darrell Lea Licorice

Rowntree’s Fruit Pastilles originated in Tyneside, England, in 1881. They were developed at Rowntree’s factory in Fawdon by Henry Rowntree, his brother Joseph, and French confectioner August Claude Gaget. The sweets, known for their chewy, jelly-like texture and sugar coating, were a significant success, accounting for about 25% of the company’s production by 1887. Initially, the manufacture of such gums and pastilles was dominated by France, making Rowntree’s entry a notable achievement. Production remained in Tyneside until 2023, when it was moved to the Czech Republic.

Did you know that Fruit Pastilles are the oldest sweet in the Rowntree’s family? In 1862, Henry Rowntree bought a cocoa works in York and transformed it into a confectionery company. Along with his brother, Joseph, and French confectioner August Claude Gaget, they developed the delicious taste of Rowntree’s in 1881. For more than 130 years these delicious chewy sweets have been making days more colourful with their irresistibly fruity taste and mouth-watering texture.