Back in the 1960s Percy Coate began experimenting with the willow he grew to make drawing charcoal. Although it took some years to perfect the technique, by the 1970s he was finally ready to share the new Coates Willow Charcoal with the world. Percy's grandfather, Robert Coate started in business in 1819 as a 'withy merchant', buying and selling local willow crops. Today Coates is still very much a family concern with members of the family involved in all aspects of the business. For many years now Coates willow charcoal has been recognised as the best quality willow charcoal in the world and they are eager to maintain that reputation in the years to come.