The privately-owned sweets producer has moved into a new facility following consistent growth over the last several years.
Data from Innova Marketing Insights shows a steady uptick in both sales (+5%) and volume (+3%) for the UK sugar confectionery market over the past five years; with almost half of consumers purchasing sugar confectionery in the UK over the past year – above the global average of 40%.
As Brits continue to maintain a sweet-tooth despite a strong healthy food movement, nostalgia also continues to prove popular in shopper’s baskets. Stockley’s has benefitted from this, with its double-digit growth predominately driven by its sweet shop favourites, fudge, and Liquorice Flyers.
From Blackburn to Burnley
Long established as a leading supplier of both branded and private label confectionery, the business was set up in Accrington in 1918 and has operated out of a number of sites within a 10-mile radius over the last 100 years.
Its most recent site was based in Blackburn, where the business has been operating for the last 15 years. The new site in Burnley has the manufacturer moving just 10-miles down the road, meaning it’s able to retain its current workforce.
The business made the transitioned over the summer period, becoming fully operational at Burnley in mid-September. At the same time, it successfully obtained BRC AA accreditation at the new facility.
The Burnley site is 60,000 square feet – three times the size of the previous. Despite this increased footprint, the business says it is continuing to use traditional handcrafted methods, with the additional space allowing it to expand its range of hard-boiled sweets, fudge and liquorice-themed products.
Mark Adcock, managing director at Stockey’s said that the “positive growing pains” gave the business confidence to invest, with the modest 10-mile move ensuring the business stays “true to the business’s proud Lancashire roots”.
The expansion follows a brand refresh and new additions to the range, including its sugar-free sharing bags which come six nostalgic flavours: Sherbet Lemons, Chocolate Limes, Rhubarb & Custards, Pear Drops, Blackcurrant Liquorice and Mint Humbugs.
