Few sweets in Britain have a name that has stayed on the shelf as long as Murray Mints. The story behind the brand starts with an American salesman in London, runs through a series of takeovers and mergers, and ends with a mint that is still sold today under a famous confectionery name.
From American caramels to a Clerkenwell factory
Robert Stuart Murray (1854 to 1912) was a confectionery salesman from Chicago who moved to London and introduced American-style caramels to the British market. He went into partnership with Charles Hubbard and Walter Michael Price and set up a confectionery factory at Turnmill Street in Clerkenwell from 1882. The business was registered as a limited company in 1900, with its main lines in fudge, caramel and mints.
The mint arrives in 1944
Murray Mints were introduced from 1944. They were caramels flavoured with molasses and peppermint, and they soon became the best-known product made by R S Murray & Co.
"Too good to hurry"
Murray Mints were advertised on British television from 1955 and promoted as "the too good to hurry mint". The slogan encouraged people to let the sweet last rather than crunch through it, and it became one of the best-remembered lines of British sweet advertising.
A brand passed between big names
The firm was taken over by C. and E. Morton Limited in 1936. Mortons was acquired by Beechams in 1945, and in 1955 the group was renamed Beecham Foods Limited. Beechams bought James Pascall Limited in 1959, which was merged with Murray, and in 1964 the Pascall Murray brand and business was sold to Cadbury Fry. Today Murray Mints are sold under the Maynards Bassetts name, a brand now owned by Mondelez International.
Find retro sweets with a story
Murray Mints sit comfortably alongside other British favourites from the past. Browse our retro sweets, or pick your own mix from pick 'n' mix. We deliver across the UK, and most orders are dispatched within 1-2 business days.
Frequently asked questions
Who originally made Murray Mints?
R S Murray & Co, a London confectionery firm founded by Robert Stuart Murray, a Chicago salesman who brought American-style caramels to Britain. Its works were in Clerkenwell.
When were Murray Mints introduced?
From 1944, as caramels flavoured with molasses and peppermint.
What does "too good to hurry" mean?
It was the slogan for Murray Mints, promoted on British television from 1955.
Who makes Murray Mints today?
They are sold under the Maynards Bassetts name, owned by Mondelez International.
Browse Retro Sweets and Pick 'n' Mix.