Wine gums are chewy, firm sweets similar to gumdrops, except they are not sugar-coated. They are manufactured from animal gelatin, obtained from rendering of bones, mixed with sweetners , flavourings and colourings. They are extremely popular in the United Kingdom, but also in Commonwealth nations such as New Zealand and Canada. Popular brands include Maynards and Marks & Spencer. They contain no wine. The name comes from the lingering, subtle fruit flavours that make it "similar to the experience of savouring a fine wine" for those who have never enjoyed a fine wine. In reference to this, the sweets have the names of wines on them, for example Port wine. Red and black are the most popular colours.

History

Wine gums were invented in 1909 in London by Charles Gordon Maynard , whose father, Charles Riley Maynard ran a sweet shop. Charles Riley Maynard almost fired his son immediately upon learning about these "wine gums", as he was an observant Methodist and teetotaller. Charles Gordon, however, convinced his father that the recipe contained no wine.

In 1990, Maynards was acquired by Trebor Bassett. In 2002 Maynards wine gum sales reached £40 million.

External link

• Maynards information from Cadbury Schweppes