How is snow formed?

Clouds get cold enough for snow because rising air expands and cools as it climbs, reaching freezing temperatures where ice crystals can form. When clouds get this cold, water vapour freezes around tiny particles like dust or pollen.

As they grow bigger and clump together, they form flakes, eventually falling to earth when they become heavy enough to overpower air currents. When the air is wet and only just freezing, flakes can get quite large and fluffy. The air on the way down must also be freezing, otherwise flakes will be sleet or rain by the time they reach us.

How about hail?

Hail forms inside thunderstorms when strong updrafts lift raindrops up into subzero air, where they freeze, gain more ice in layers, and grow until gravity brings them crashing down.

Inside the Fry's factory, Bristol (19th Century)

1978 - Thermos = Picnic Essential

Unforgettable Freezes

1947

Perhaps the most famous snowy winter of modern times in Britain. Heavy snow fell almost non-stop from late January to March, sometimes drifting metres deep. Supplies of coal were disrupted, causing a national energy crisis. Many villages were cut off for days by the snow, with some needing supplies dropped by the armed services. The harsh conditions were made worse by existing post-war rationing of food and fuel, making the winter particularly difficult.

1962-63

"The Big Freeze" was one of the coldest and most severe winters on record, beginning on Boxing Day and lasting until early March. Snow lay continuously for a record-breaking 62 days in some places, with drifts reaching up to 20 feet. Rivers and lakes were frozen solid and even the sea froze in places! Despite challenges with transport and supplies, a strong community spirit pulled us through. People came to stay for Christmas… and couldn’t get home till Easter!

Taking good care of our precious planet

While brightening our homes with a little greenery lifts our spirits, it also gently reminds us of the beauty and importance of nature in our everyday lives. Taking good care of our precious planet is something we feel deeply about.

As a sign of our commitment to combatting climate change, we are making a pledge to become ‘net zero’. We want to get there by 2040, which might be a little way off, but the journey has begun - and there are lots of targets along the way. We’re working together across every part of the business to identify opportunities for reducing our carbon footprint with a view to getting it all the way down to...zero!

Did you know?

• It’s more likely to snow in April than December – and at Easter than Christmas!
  
• Snow showers in June 1975 led to several county cricket matches being abandoned.
  
• The Scots language has over 400 words relating to snow, including feefle (to swirl) and skelf (a large snowflake).
  
• Snow falls at speeds of 1-4 mph, often taking an hour to reach the ground.
  
• Every snowflake is unique, but they always have six sides or six points.
  
• During the ‘Little Ice Age’ (c. 1550–1850), winters were so severe they held ‘Frost Fairs’ on the frozen Thames!

All packed, off we go

Do you have memories of snowy days? Perhaps sledging down hills on a tea tray or walking to school through the snow when buses couldn't get through? Share your stories with us - we’d love to hear them!

Liquid Gold

From the past to your plate

From ancient cacao drinks to the irresistible treats we enjoy today, chocolate has truly stood the test of time.

To bring you that deep, classic chocolate flavour in our Chocolate Desserts, we carry that legacy forward using only carefully selected ingredients — Cocoa Mass and Cocoa Butter.

If the thought of chocolate is too tempting for you why not check out our dessert range?