History

A Brief History of Caley’s of Norwich 

1857 Albert Jarman Caley opened a chemist’s business in London Street, Norwich.
1863 He began manufacture of mineral waters in the cellars of his business.
1864 Additional premises taken in Bedford Street, Norwich.
1880 A mineral water factory opened in Chapel Field East, Norwich  using water from two deep artesian wells.
1883

1886

 Drinking Chocolate manufacture commenced

Eating Chocolate manufacture commenced.
1894 A.J. Caley retired – he was succeeded by his son Edward and nephews Frederick and Stuart.
1896 onwards Alfred Munnings (later Sir Alfred Munnings, President of the Royal Academy and one of East Anglia’s leading artists) designed most of Caley’s advertising materials
1898 Christmas cracker manufacture commenced.

Joint stock company A.J. Caley & Sons Ltd. formed.
1914-18 Caley’s Marching Chocolate™ issued to British troops in World War I – it was know as “Marcho”.
1920’s onwards Caley’s Marching Chocolate™ highly popular with sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts.
1932 John Mackintosh & Sons Ltd. of Halifax acquired Caley’s.

Caley’s brand name used until early 1960’s.
1932 Royal Warrant granted by Queen Mary.
1941 First documented manufacture of ‘Cocoa Rich’ Milk Marching Chocolate™.
1942

1947

 Caley’s Norwich factory destroyed by enemy bombing.

Factory re – opened after reconstruction.
 1969  Mackintosh’s merged with Rowntree to form Rowntree Mackintosh.
1988 Nestlé acquired Rowntree Mackintosh.
1994 Nestlé announced closure of Norwich factory.
1996 3 former executives acquired Caley’s brand plus production equipment from Nestlé and formed Caley’s of Norwich Ltd.
1997 Caley’s Plain Marching Chocolate reintroduced.
1998 Caley’s Milk Marching Chocolate reintroduced.
1999 Caley’s becomes part of the Unicheq Group in order to expand nationally.
1999 Caley’s hot chocolate drinks introduced.
2002 Caley’s open Cocoa Cafe in the Historic Guildhall in Norwich.
2005 Fairtrade range of hot chocolate drinks introduced.
2005 Caley’s and Norwich Union team up to make Norwich a Fairtrade City.
2006 Fairtrade range of chocolate bars introduced.
2008 Caley’s partners with Help for Heroes charity to launch 2 chocolate bars and an instant hot chocolate drink. Every purchase generates a donation to the charity.