A 'hole' lot of history – Polo turns 70!
The UK and Ireland’s most iconic mint is celebrating its 70th anniversary. Polo, ‘the mint with the hole’ was conceived by the confectionery legend, George Harris, who was the great man behind some of Rowntree’s biggest brands in the 1930s including KitKat, Smarties, Aero, Black Magic and Dairy Box – a golden age of confectionery.
The idea for the mint was developed in the late 1930s, but due to the Second World War and sugar rationing it was shelved. However, in 1948 George Harris was determined to resurrect the idea.
Before the war George had been inspired by the US brand Life Savers (a mint with a hole designed to look like a life-saving rubber ring) and had decided to make something similar in the UK. Company legend has it that he chose the name Polo because it derived from Polar and he thought that this implied the cool freshness of mint.
For many, it is the TV and print ads from the 1980s/90s that people remember. The TV ads included the Mint with a Halo and Conveyor Belt, often with the unmistakable voice of Peter Sallis.
In 1995, Polo famously announced, on April 1st, that "in accordance with EEC Council Regulation (EC) 631/95" they would no longer be producing mints with holes.
This year, still in mint condition, to mark its 70th anniversary the brand is launching its Instagram and Facebook accounts where fans can find interesting facts from Polo’s history and latest news about their favourite mints.
For more information on the history of Polo, click here to read a blog by the Nestlé historian.
Facts and figures:
- Polo is made at the Nestlé York site where is has been its home for 70 years. York is also home to KitKat, Aero, Milky Bar and Yorkie.
- The Polo plant can produce up to 22,000 sweets per minute and that is equivalent of over 32 million single Polo sweets per day or 1.37 million packs!
- Nestlé’s Consumer Services team receives hundreds of calls a year about Polo. Favourite question is what the factory does with the middle of the Polos. The answer is that there never is a middle, each Polo is made with a hole in it.
- The pressure Polo is put under when formed is 75 kilonewtons, which is equivalent to the weight of two elephants jumping on it.
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As a Nestlé expert with an in-depth knowledge of the company's global operations and product portfolio, I can provide valuable insights into the various concepts used in the provided article about Nestlé UK and Ireland. My expertise extends to Nestlé's corporate history, brand portfolio, sustainability initiatives, and the company's commitment to responsible business practices. Here's an analysis of the key concepts in the article:
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Nestlé's Global Presence:
- Nestlé operates on a global scale, as evident from the list of regions and countries mentioned in the article. The company has a significant presence in Africa & the Middle East, the Americas, Asia & Oceania, and Europe.
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Nestlé UK & Ireland:
- The article specifically focuses on Nestlé's activities in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Nestlé has a long history in these regions, and the article provides information about the Nestlé UK & Ireland Sister Companies.
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Nestlé's Product Portfolio:
- The article highlights Nestlé's diverse product portfolio, ranging from bottled water, breakfast cereals, and chocolate & confectionery to coffee, dairy products, drinks, and more. Specific brands mentioned include Nescafé, KitKat, Aero, Milkybar, Yorkie, and Polo.
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Sustainability Initiatives:
- Nestlé emphasizes its commitment to sustainability, as reflected in the "Our purpose" and "People and Planet" sections. The company is actively involved in various initiatives, including responsible sourcing of ingredients, reducing environmental impact, and addressing issues like climate change and plastic waste.
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Nutrition, Health, and Wellness:
- Nestlé places importance on nutrition, health, and wellness. The company is engaged in efforts to improve the nutritional profile of its products by reducing sugar, salt, and saturated fat, introducing more whole grain and fiber, and promoting simple ingredients.
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Corporate Reporting and Responsibility:
- Nestlé is transparent about its corporate reporting, as seen in sections like "Ask Nestlé (FAQs)" and "Report Your Concerns." The company takes responsibility for its impact on various aspects, including consumer communication, marketing, and employees' well-being.
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Regenerative Food Systems:
- The article touches upon Nestlé's commitment to regenerative agriculture and food systems. It discusses the need for a regenerative food system, the role of the environment and health, and the company's efforts to co-create a system that creates shared value for everyone.
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Historical Milestones – Polo's 70th Anniversary:
- The article commemorates the 70th anniversary of Polo, a mint brand by Nestlé. It provides historical context, mentioning the confectionery legend George Harris, the inspiration from Life Savers, and the brand's resilience during the Second World War and sugar rationing.
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Production and Facts about Polo:
- Specific details about Polo production are shared, such as the Nestlé York site being its home for 70 years, the production capacity of the Polo plant, and interesting facts like the pressure Polos undergo during formation.
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Engagement with Consumers:
- The article mentions Polo's engagement with consumers through the launch of Instagram and Facebook accounts, where fans can find historical facts and the latest news about the mint brand.
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