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source:wikipedia.org
22 Apr, 1793
04 Mar, 1850
Unknown
British
Confectioner
56
Joseph Terry was born on November 11, 1793, in Pocklington, England, to Thomas and Elizabeth Terry. His early life was shaped by his father’s bakery business, providing him with a foundation in the culinary arts that would prove invaluable in his future career.
As a young man, Terry served as an apothecary’s apprentice, gaining knowledge of chemistry and medicinal ingredients. This unique combination of culinary and pharmaceutical expertise would later influence his confectionery innovations. In the early 1820s, he opened his own apothecary business in Walmgate, York.
Terry’s life took a significant turn in 1823 when he married Harriet Atkinson. Through his wife’s family, he met Robert Berry, whose family produced candied fruit peel. Intrigued by the confectionery business, Terry formed a partnership with Berry, creating the company Terry & Berry in 1825.
In 1828, Terry gained full control of the business, renaming it Joseph Terry & Co. He leveraged his background in baking and apothecary to develop new products. The company quickly gained a reputation for a wide range of confections, including fruit cakes, biscuits, and sugar confectionery such as mint balls, acid drops, and medicated lozenges.
Terry was quick to capitalize on the emerging railway network in the 1830s. He established retail outlets in 75 towns, primarily in the north of England, but also reaching the Midlands and London. This strategic move significantly expanded the company’s reach and reputation.
In 1836, Terry played a crucial role in establishing the London-based Association for the Protection of Public and Trade Confectioners and Lozenge Makers. This society aimed to protect consumers from harmful ingredients in confectionery products, showcasing Terry’s commitment to quality and safety in the industry.
By the time of his death in 1850 in Huntington, York, at the age of 56, Joseph Terry had built a confectionery empire. His company employed 127 workers, making it the second-largest employer in the area. The Terry’s brand had become recognized throughout Britain.
After Joseph’s death, his son, Joseph Jr., took over the business. By 1867, the company’s product range had expanded to include 400 items, with chocolate becoming an increasingly important part of their offerings. The Terry’s brand continued to grow, eventually becoming known worldwide for products like the Chocolate Orange.
Joseph Terry’s legacy lives on in the confectionery industry. Today, the Terry’s brand remains a household name, particularly known for its chocolate products, testament to the enduring legacy of its founder.
Joseph Terry
Joseph Terry
Male
Unknown
York, England
York, England
Entrepreneur: Smart, energetic and very perceptive people, who truly enjoy living on the edge. His exceptional entrepreneurial abilities allowed him to create a business empire even in the 19th century.
Joseph Terry began his career in confectionery at a young age, working in a local chocolate shop.
His company was among the first to use steam power in chocolate production, greatly increasing efficiency.
The Terry's brand is famous for its orange-flavored chocolate and its distinctive packaging.
Terry's Chocolate Orange remains a popular treat during festive seasons in the UK.
The brand became synonymous with quality chocolate in the UK.
Founded Terry’s Chocolate Company in 1823
Introduced the famous Terry’s Chocolate Orange in 1932 (though developed later by the company)
Developed innovative chocolate-making techniques that set the foundation for modern confectionery