The 19th century had faded, leaving Chivers humming like a well-oiled hive. The scent of simmering fruits remained Histon's lullaby, but now mingled with the hum of modern machinery. New chapters awaited, bursting with global ambitions, technological marvels, and Cherry Bob's mischievous rise to international fame.

Across the World:

Stephen, "Sugar-Tongued Stephen," cast his salesman's eye beyond Europe. Australia, New Zealand, South Africa – the iconic red and white label became a familiar sight across continents, a symbol of sweetness and British quality.

Gears and Gourmands:

The brothers weren't afraid of progress. Steam gave way to electricity, powering whirring machinery and revolutionizing production. Automatic lines replaced slow hands, ensuring consistency and efficiency. But quality remained king. Only the freshest fruit, meticulously washed and inspected, entered Philip's alchemical realm.

Cherry Bob Takes Flight:

The cheeky mascot wasn't content being a label fixture. He leaped into colourful ads, children's books, and even onto ration packs during wartime. His mischievous grin and infectious optimism endeared him to generations, becoming the face of Chivers.

Wartime Resilience:

World War I brought rationing and sugar shortages. The brothers adapted, experimenting with alternative sweeteners, exploring vegetable canning, and ensuring production lines hummed. World War II saw the factory relocated to Wales, but even under blackout curtains, jams flowed.

Post-War Boom and a Tangy Twist:

Post-war, demand surged. Lemon curd joined the repertoire, flash freezing ensured fresher fruit, and the iconic jam jar found its way onto breakfast tables worldwide, but with it came post-war economic challenges: The UK's post-war economy faced significant constraints, impacting businesses like Chivers. Rising production costs, coupled with competitive pressures from larger corporations, made it difficult for Chivers to maintain their financial stability.

Changing consumer trends: Public tastes started shifting towards convenience foods and new flavour combinations beyond traditional jams. While Chivers adapted by introducing innovative products like instant jam, adapting to the pace of change was tough for a smaller company, making expansion and reaching new markets a financial strain.

Family succession uncertainties: As the founding Chivers brothers aged, the question of future leadership and succession in a family-run business arose. Without a clear path forward, finding a partner like Schweppes with the resources and expertise to ensure the brand's long-term success seemed like a viable option. In 1959, a surprise shook Histon – Chivers was acquired by Schweppes.

While the sale undoubtedly marked a shift in ownership, it wasn't necessarily a surrender. Schweppes recognized the value of Chivers' established brand, reputation for quality, and loyal customer base. Their expertise in marketing and distribution offered Chivers opportunities for national and international expansion, something beyond the immediate reach of a smaller, family-run business.

 A Legacy of Sweetness:

Despite the change in ownership, the heart of Chivers remained in Histon.

Further acquisition took place

• 1959: Chivers is acquired by Schweppes.

• 1985: Schweppes merges with Cadbury Foods to form Cadbury Schweppes.

• 2007: Cadbury Schweppes acquires Adams Candies, which holds the US rights to Chivers brand.

• 2010: Cadbury Schweppes is acquired by Kraft Foods and forms Kraft Foods Inc.

• 2012: Kraft Foods splits into two companies: Mondelez International and Kraft Foods Group.

  • Chivers brand falls under Mondelez International.

• 2014: Mondelez International sells the European rights to Chivers to Premier Foods.

Over 160 years since its humble beginnings, the factory endures, a testament to the Chivers brothers' vision, dedication, and a whole lot of fruit.