Galle and Jessen the candy makers by heart
Among the oldest still existing licorice products in Denmark is Ga-Jol from 1933, which was launched as a throat pastille against throat pain and cough. Edvard Galle and Hans Jessen, who were both educated in candy making, came up with this tasteful pastille. It all started in 1872 when they bought a stove, some pots, cutting machines and rollers to start making candy. They made sweet candy to start with and later on the licorice pastilles from Ga-Jol were introduced. This all took place in a basement in Store Kongensgade in Copenhagen, where they also sold their candy. It was hard work from early morning to late at night to create their quality candy. The two perfectionists divided their tasks so they could work more efficient. Edvard Galle became the salesperson who drove around the city of Copenhagen to sell their candy to shops and people, while Hans Jessen was manufacturing the sweets.
Where does the name Ga-Jol come from?
The name Ga-Jol was created in 1933, long after Edvard Galle and Hans Jessen died. ‘Ga’ comes from Galle, ‘J’ from Jessen and ‘ol’ was added because they wanted a name with a medically sound, and partly because menthol was added as well.
From medicine to candy
In the beginning, hard licorice like Ga-Jol was typically meant for a sore throat, but now it is also eaten as candy or refreshment. Licorice has been used as a medicine for thousands of years to help treat many health issues. Licorice plants are considered as one of the oldest herbal remedies and that’s the reason why licorice has been used in medicine for a very long time. It dates back all the way to ancient Egypt where they made a sweet drink out of it for the pharaohs.
Most chosen licorice pastille in Denmark
The most famous and most chosen licorice pastille in Denmark is Ga-Jol Original that comes in a small box that is very easy to take with you. The bright blue box with red letters is there since the beginning and makes this box well known amongst the Danes. In 2001 Ga-Jol got the price for most classic timeless design. Ga-Jol comes in many different variants these days. Besides the original one they have many different flavors of pastilles like: Salt licorice, Pomegranate, Blackberry, Licorice & Chili and English syrup. During the years Ga-Jol had different slogans, but the one that really stood out was: ‘The Danish weather is Ga-Jol weather’, which makes good sense because during the cold, wet Danish weather a lot of people get a soar throat. This was their first and also most remembered slogan of all times. Ga-Jol expanded their assortment by introducing different kind of candy than only pastilles. Now they also offer candy bags with soft licorice for the ones that love to chew their licorice. They of course also come in different flavors: Salt licorice, Sweet licorice and Salt licorice with caramel & whiskey. Ga-Jol is also known for its alcohol licorice shots. Those bottles are recognizable by their bright colors and easy product names. They are called: Red shot, Grey shot, Blue shot, Black shot and Yellow shot. If you are a licorice lover, you have to try out those amazing licorice shots. Your taste buds will be surprised! Find all your favorite Ga-Jol products at NORDIC EXPAT SHOP. Keep up to date with the newest products by signing up to our newsletter and be the first to know about special promotions.
