Unseen archives reveal 96 years of Britain's chocolate history

From swapping sugar for sweet treats to elaborate hand-made gift boxes, a never-before-seen archive has revealed the story of chocolate in Britain.

Newly released documents from Bendicks offer a fascinating glimpse into the nation's relationship with the brand and how it has evolved over the last 96 years.

The company was founded in London by Oscar Benson and Colonel 'Bertie' Dickson in 1930 and the recipe for its iconic Bittermints has remained the same since 1931.

It was granted a Royal Warrant by Queen Elizabeth II in 1962, which was renewed by King Charles III in 2024.

And while much has changed over the course of the company's history, chocolate has retained its place in British life, from a thoughtful gift to something shared when friends and family come together.

The Bendicks' archive contains a trove of advertisements, packaging and promotional materials which give a snapshot of different eras - from wartime Britain to austerity.

One of the highlights of the collection is a Second World War advert telling customers "No coupons required if sugar exchanged", offering 2lbs of chocolate in return for a 1lb packet of sugar.

In the same leaflet, Sporting & Military Chocolate was advertised as an energy food for activities including hunting, mountaineering and field days, with pocket-sized packets available.

As Britain moved beyond wartime scarcity and austerity, the archives capture the importance placed on gifts, hospitality and occasion.

Presentation became as much a part of the package as the chocolates themselves, with one leaflet introducing Bendicks' Galaxy of Lovely Gift Boxes featuring an array of ornate, handmade designs.

These were intended as keepsakes to be appreciated long after the confectionery inside had gone.

Another piece from the archive refers to "the modern vogue for keeping chocolates always at hand". Decorative containers could be refilled to offer to guests or "hide one's private indulgence".

Martin, who has worked with Bendicks for over 25 years, said, "There was a real sense of craftsmanship in the factory. I remember the circular chocolate gift boxes were all made by hand and were very much something you would buy for a special occasion.

"There are little things about the factory that have always stayed with me too - particularly the smell. As soon as you opened the door, you could smell the Bittermints being made. The mint was so strong that the mint products even had their own separate area.

"I think chocolate has a place in so many different occasions because there's a lot of emotion attached to it. It might be something you give to someone, something you have with other people or just something you reach for yourself.

"That's part of the appeal - there aren't really any rules around it. You can have one chocolate or find yourself popping back into the kitchen for five. It's such a simple thing, but it has this ability to bring a little bit of happiness to an otherwise ordinary moment."

Bendicks (https://bendicks.co.uk/) may be 96 years old, but new research confirms that the reasons we reach for chocolate are much the same as when it was founded.

The survey by Storck, the company's owner, found that 46% buy chocolate boxes as gifts while 38% purchase them to share. Around 16% are buying to enjoy by themselves.