Packet of Rowntree's Fruit Pastels

A packet of Rowntree's Fruit Pastilles represents a Quaker tradition of responsible business and the Rowntree family's enduring commitment to social reform.

Innocent trades

During the 19th century, three Quaker families helped shape British confectionery: Fry, Cadbury and Rowntree. Their businesses belonged to a tradition of 'innocent trades', occupations through which Friends could earn a living without profiting from activities they believed caused harm.

For Quaker business owners, commercial success brought responsibilities. Fair wages, humane working conditions and concern for surrounding communities reflected the belief that business should benefit more than its owners. Profits could also be used to improve the lives of others.

Henry Isaac Rowntree founded Rowntree & Co. in York in 1862. Fruit Pastilles appeared in the 1880s and became one of the company's best-known products. As the business expanded, the family's involvement in social reform grew alongside its commercial success.

Joseph Rowntree's wider purpose

Joseph Rowntree believed that helping people in hardship meant more than handing out charity. Poverty had causes that needed to be understood and addressed, and he wanted his wealth to support lasting improvements.

In 1904, he established three trusts to pursue his social and charitable aims. Two continue today as the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) and the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (JRCT).

Both grew from Rowntree's Quaker convictions, but developed different priorities. JRF concentrates on poverty and social conditions, while JRCT supports organisations working for peace, human rights and social justice.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation seeks to understand the causes of poverty and influence the policies that affect people's lives.

One early expression of Rowntree's social ambitions was New Earswick, a garden village near York. Its houses and planned surroundings offered an alternative to overcrowded urban housing, reflecting his belief that decent living conditions could improve people's opportunities.

Today, JRF continues to address poverty through research, public policy and practical initiatives. Its work examines how income, housing and social conditions affect families and communities throughout the UK.

The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust

The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust retains an explicitly Quaker identity, guided by the testimonies of Peace, Equality, Simplicity and Integrity.

Rather than providing direct services, JRCT funds organisations and campaigners seeking social and political change. Its support has included work on conscientious objection, nuclear disarmament, human rights, environmental responsibility and democratic participation.

Through these grants, the trust continues the Quaker tradition of putting religious convictions into practical action, supporting those challenging injustice and working towards a more peaceful society.

A continuing Quaker legacy

The Rowntree confectionery business has long since passed out of Quaker ownership, but the family's charitable legacy continues through organisations addressing poverty, injustice and the conditions in which people live.

The name on a packet of Rowntree's Fruit Pastilles therefore connects an everyday sweet to a Quaker belief that making money and using it responsibly are inseparable parts of an honest business.