The Origins of Terry's Chocolate Orange
Terry's Chocolate Orange is one of Britain's most distinctive and beloved chocolate treats. Created in 1932 by Terry's of York, it was originally known as the "Chocolate Apple." However, the company soon switched to the orange shape and flavor that would become iconic.
The concept was revolutionary at the time - a chocolate sphere divided into 20 segments, all infused with orange oil to create a distinctive flavor that perfectly complemented the milk chocolate. What made it truly special was how the segments separated when tapped, mimicking the experience of peeling and segmenting a real orange.
A York Institution
Terry's was a York institution, founded in 1767 as a small confectionery shop before expanding into a major chocolate manufacturer. The chocolate works at Bishopthorpe Road in York was where the Chocolate Orange was born and produced for decades, becoming a symbol of the city's confectionery heritage alongside other York institutions like Rowntree's.
The Terry's factory in York was architecturally significant too, with its distinctive clock tower becoming a local landmark. The Art Deco building, completed in 1926, housed the production of Chocolate Oranges until its closure in 2005.
Evolution of the Chocolate Orange
Over the decades, Terry's Chocolate Orange has evolved while maintaining its essential character. In the 1950s, it established its now-classic packaging with the distinctive orange and blue color scheme. The marketing slogan "Tap and Unwrap" became synonymous with the product, instructing consumers on the unique way to open it by tapping it firmly on a surface to separate the segments.
Variations have appeared over the years, including dark chocolate versions, white chocolate, popping candy editions, and mini versions. Seasonal variations are particularly popular, with the Chocolate Orange being a Christmas stocking staple in many British households.
Changing Hands
The ownership of Terry's and its flagship product has changed several times over the decades. In 1979, United Biscuits acquired Terry's, later selling it to Kraft Foods in 1993. After Kraft's acquisition of Cadbury in 2010 and subsequent reorganization into Mondelēz International, the Chocolate Orange came under the Mondelēz umbrella.
A significant change came in 2005 when production moved from the historic York factory to other European factories. This marked the end of Terry's long association with York, though the product maintained its British identity in marketing.
Cultural Impact
Terry's Chocolate Orange has embedded itself in British culture, particularly as a Christmas tradition. The phrase "It's not Terry's, it's mine" from the advertising campaigns became a catchphrase that entered everyday language. The distinctive shape and packaging make it instantly recognizable, and the ritual of tapping it to break the segments apart has become part of the experience.
In 2016, the product caused controversy when consumers noticed a reduction in size from 175g to 157g without a corresponding price drop, a phenomenon dubbed "shrinkflation." Despite this, the Chocolate Orange remains a beloved treat, particularly during the holiday season when sales traditionally peak.
Global Reach
While particularly associated with Britain, Terry's Chocolate Orange is now sold in many countries worldwide. Its unique combination of chocolate and orange oil flavor, along with its distinctive segment design, has helped it stand out in international markets as a quintessentially British confection.
Today, the Terry's Chocolate Orange continues to be produced in various formats, remaining true to its origins while adapting to contemporary tastes and market demands. Its journey from a York confectionery innovation to an internationally recognized treat spans nearly a century, making it one of Britain's most enduring and distinctive sweet creations.
