With prior experience in crafting sausages, Richard's grandson, Thomas (the 2nd), conceived the notion of manufacturing ice cream to augment summer sales. This concept was initially conceived in 1913, aimed at providing a refreshing treat for consumers.
However, this concept came to an abrupt halt at the onset of World War I (July 28, 1914 – November 11, 1918), resulting in a suspension of production until the war's culmination. In 1922, Lever Brothers and Margarine Unie jointly acquired the business. The introduction of substantial commercial freezers from the United States marked the inception of the Wall’s ice cream brand. The momentum surged as Thomas Wall’s Factory in Acton, London, initiated ice cream production in 1922.
The demand for Wall’s ice cream prompted vendors to traverse London's streets, selling their goods via horse-drawn carts. The incorporation of bicycle deliveries followed shortly after. By 1939, the contingent of Wall’s tricycle salespeople had grown to a robust 8,500.
In 1960, Walls secured a partial ownership stake in Mr. Whippy, along with its fleet of soft-serve cream delivery vans, introducing an innovative avenue for reaching consumers. This eventually culminated in their complete acquisition of ownership by 1966.
The landscape of the market underwent a profound transformation in 1974 due to the rise of supermarkets, leading Wall’s to transform Mr. Whippy into a franchised enterprise.
Cornetto made its triumphant entry into the UK market in May 1976, perfectly timed with the heat wave of that year. The indelible advertising campaign, featuring the iconic serenading gondolier, made its debut the subsequent year.
The origin of Wall’s ice cream
