A new blue plaque based on a historic KitKat wrapper has been installed by York Civic Trust at Cocoa Works in York. The plaque recognises the national significance of this former Rowntree factory in shaping Britain’s chocolate industry, and modern approaches to industrial welfare. It was unveiled during a ceremony on Friday 10th April.
The plaque marks one of the most important confectionery factories in Britain. The Cocoa Works helped make York internationally synonymous with chocolate production, manufacturing well-known brands including KitKat, Smarties, Aero and Milkybar.
The plaque’s design takes inspiration from historic Rowntree packaging, notably the distinctive blue wartime “KitKat” wrapper introduced during the Second World War when milk was rationed and a new recipe had to be devised. KitKats were exclusively produced in this factory in York until the 1970s. The plaque’s blue colour reflects this historic moment, while keeping to the established tradition of York Civic Trust’s plaques being blue.
The Haxby Road factory employed more than 6,000 people by 1920. It was notable not only for its scale and output, but for its pioneering approach to industrial welfare and innovation in food production. It incorporated dining halls, medical facilities, education spaces and recreational amenities – reflecting a broader commitment to employee wellbeing.
Duncan Marks, Heritage and Planning Manager at York Civic Trust, said: “York’s identity as a city of chocolate was shaped here, and through Nestlé it remains an international brand. The Rowntree factory combined industrial innovation with a progressive approach to worker welfare, with influence felt nationwide. This plaque ensures that contribution is properly recognised and remains part of York’s story.”
Nestlé continues to produce chocolate in York, but the factory building closed in 2006 and has recently been redeveloped by Latimer, the development arm of Clarion Housing Group, into an £80 million residential scheme. The Cocoa Works now provides 279 apartments, 30 per cent of which are affordable homes, bringing new use to one of York’s most significant industrial sites.
The plaque forms part of York Civic Trust’s programme to recognise places that have shaped the city and its wider national story. In its 80th year, the Trust is highlighting sites that contributed to Britain’s industrial, social and cultural development.
Kevin Shrimpton, York Factory Manager at Nestlé UK and Ireland, said: “The Cocoa Works on Haxby Road is part of York’s proud manufacturing history and this plaque is a fitting way to recognise the people, products and values that came from it. It was here that many of Britain’s best-loved chocolate brands were created. The plaque’s KitKat-inspired design connects the past to the present – and we’re proud to continue making millions of KitKat bars every day right next door, keeping York’s chocolate-making tradition very much alive.”
Michael Briffett, Regional Managing Director at Clarion Housing Group, said:
“We’re proud to have brought the Cocoa Works back into use, preserving an important part of York’s heritage while creating much-needed new homes. Through its careful refurbishment, this landmark building continues to reflect the character and history that have shaped the city. This plaque is a fitting tribute to that legacy and to the role Cocoa Works continues to play in York’s story.”