NESTLÉ, the confectionery giant which bought out Rowntree Mackintosh in the 1980s and continues to make chocolate in York, today welcomed the research by the Rowntree Society into Rowntree’s past.

A spokesperson said: “Since 1988, Nestlé has been the custodian of Rowntree’s as a confectionery brand and we welcome these statements made by other organisations that bear the Rowntree name.

“This is a very important piece of work that expands the well-known history of the Rowntree’s Company and recognises the significant impact of colonialism at the turn of the 20th century. Nestlé is a diverse, global company that is firmly anti-racist and has zero tolerance for slavery.

“We will continue to learn from the actions of our predecessors.”