Wine gums are chewy, firm sweets similar to gumdrops, except they are not sugar-coated. They are manufactured from animal gelatin, obtained from rendering of bones, mixed with sweetners , flavourings and colourings. They are extremely popular in the United Kingdom, but also in Commonwealth nations such as New Zealand and Canada. Popular brands include Maynards and Marks & Spencer. They contain no wine. The name comes from the lingering, subtle fruit flavours that make it "similar to the experience of savouring a fine wine" for those who have never enjoyed a fine wine. In reference to this, the sweets have the names of wines on them, for example Port wine. Red and black are the most popular colours. Candy is a term for a type of confectionery prepared by dissolving sugar in water or milk and boiling it until it starts to caramelize. ... A sugar is a form of carbohydrate; the most commonly used sugar is a white crystalline solid, sucrose; used to alter the flavor and properties (mouthfeel, preservation, texture) of beverages and food. ... Gelatin (also gelatine) is a translucent brittle solid, colorless or slightly yellow, nearly tasteless and odorless, that is created by prolonged boiling of connective tissue of animal cadavers. ... The verb to render has a number of meanings: As used in computer rendering. ... Flag of the Commonwealth of Nations The Commonwealth of Nations is an association of independent sovereign states, most of which are former colonies once governed by the United Kingdom as part of the British Empire. ... This article is about brands in marketing. ... A glass of white wine This article is about the beverage. ... Fruit stall in Barcelona, Spain. ... A glass of tawny port. ...

History

Wine gums were invented in 1909 in London by Charles Gordon Maynard, whose father, Charles Riley Maynard ran a sweet shop. Charles Riley Maynard almost fired his son immediately upon learning about these "wine gums", as he was an observant Methodist and teetotaller. Charles Gordon, however, convinced his father that the recipe contained no wine. London is the capital city of the United Kingdom and of England. ...

In 1990, Maynards was acquired by Trebor Bassett. In 2002 Maynards wine gum sales reached £40 million.

External link

• Maynards information from Cadbury Schweppes (http://www.cadburyschweppes.com/EN/Brands/About/Confectionery/factsheet_maynards.htm)