Inventor of the Jaffa Cake dies at 93
Ian Russell, the food scientist credited with creating the Jaffa Cake, has died at the age of 93. Russell, who worked for McVitie's in the 1920s, developed the iconic snack that has been a staple of British tea times for decades. His death was announced by his family, who said he passed away peacefully at his home in Edinburgh.
The creation of a British icon
Russell invented the Jaffa Cake in 1927 while working as a development manager at McVitie's. The cake consists of a light sponge base, a layer of orange-flavoured jelly, and a coating of chocolate. According to McVitie's, the name was inspired by Jaffa oranges, which were imported from Israel and known for their sweetness. The product was an instant success and has since become a household name in the UK.
Legal battle over cake or biscuit
The Jaffa Cake was at the centre of a famous legal dispute in 1991, when HM Customs and Excise argued that it should be classified as a biscuit for VAT purposes, which would have made it subject to a 17.5% tax. McVitie's successfully argued that it was a cake, as it goes hard when stale (like a cake) rather than soft (like a biscuit). The ruling saved the company millions of pounds and cemented the Jaffa Cake's status as a cake in the eyes of the law.
Legacy and tributes
Russell's contribution to British baking has been widely recognised. In a statement, McVitie's said: 'Ian Russell was a brilliant food scientist whose creation brought joy to millions. The Jaffa Cake remains one of our most beloved products, and we are grateful for his innovation.' Food historian Dr. Annie Gray noted: 'The Jaffa Cake is a masterpiece of food engineering. Its perfect balance of sponge, jelly, and chocolate has made it an enduring classic.' Russell is survived by his two children and four grandchildren.
