Tributes paid to creator of After Eights

A CONFECTIONER who played a key role in the development of the After Eight mint has died aged 74.

By The Newsroom Wednesday, 11th September 2013, 1:01 am

Brian Sollit joined York firm Rowntree’s in 1954 and worked there until his retirement in 2006.

He became confectioner for the Crème Experimentation division in 1962, where he was asked to come up with a method for wrapping delicate squares of peppermint fondant in dark chocolate.

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Mr Sollit was a fan all his life,and last year came out of retirement to make a giant After Eight to mark the mint’s 50th anniversary. He presented it at the Houses of Parliament in one of the “proudest moments of his life”.

A spokeswoman for Nestle Heritage said he would be remembered for his generous spirit, sense of humour, larger-than-life personality, and the money raised for charity though his annual display of Christmas lights.