20 years of Summerdown's dark chocolate peppermint creams

 

Summerdown Peppermint Cream’s today in 2025

 

Celebrating 20 Years of Summerdown Chocolate Peppermint Creams

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 20 years since Summerdown Pure Mint Chocolate Peppermint Creams (as they were originally called) were born. What began as a dream to revive the taste of pure English peppermint has grown into a Great Taste award-winning peppermint chocolate loved by Summerdown fans the world over. Here’s a look back at how it all started, through the eyes of Anthony Terry, who worked closely with our founder Sir Michael Colman to bring this idea to life.

 

The Spark of an Idea

In March 2004, Sir Michael Colman’s passion for restoring the long-lost taste of English peppermint inspired him to explore the creation of peppermint sweets. This vision was sparked by a bag of traditional peppermint candies from the U.S., brought back by Summerdown’s farm manager Ian Margetts. With the goal of producing something distinctly different and premium, Anthony encouraged Sir Michael to consider chocolate peppermint creams - a luxurious alternative that could stand out in the right packaging.

Building the Brand

Key to the brand’s identity was its sense of place. While Sir Michael initially favoured the name “Pure Mint,” the decision to incorporate “Summerdown”—the name of his farm—added a sense of English heritage and provenance. Working with a designer, the Summerdown Pure Mint branding began to take shape, with its now infamous mint green colour.

Throughout 2004, the team collaborated with confectionery experts and manufacturers to perfect the recipe. Packaging design, branding elements, and promotional materials were meticulously developed, while partnerships with retailers were nurtured to bring the product to market.

Summerdown Peppermint Cream’s in their original packaging - 2005

 

The Final Push

The year 2005 brought intense preparation for the official launch. From regulatory requirements to packaging sign-offs, the team worked tirelessly to ensure everything was ready.

A Sweet Success

The launch was an immediate success. David Porat of Chelsea Market Baskets in New York placed the first international order, and the chocolates soon found a home in prestigious retailers like Harvey Nichols. The product even won a bronze award from the Academy of Chocolate, cementing its reputation for excellence.

Two Decades of Delight

Today, Summerdown Chocolate Peppermint Creams are our best-selling chocolate and a celebrated classic, loved for their smooth, rich chocolate and refreshingly authentic peppermint. They won their first Great Taste award in 2011 and have won four more since. This anniversary milestone is not just a celebration of a product but a tribute to the craftsmanship, passion, and teamwork that brought it to life.

Here’s to 20 years of pure mint perfection—and to many more!

 

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