Member Article

Harrogate confectionery firm set for sweet success

Harrogate-based confectionery business, The Serious Sweet Company, part of the Zubrance Group which recorded sales of £30m last year, plans to roll out new range after 17% turnover rise last year.

Ultimate English is the first, independently branded product to be launched by The Serious Sweet Company, which alongside sister company Confection by Design, produces own-brand products and ingredients for some of the UK’s leading supermarkets, retail stores, restaurants and cafes including Marks & Spencer, Harrods, Tesco and Asda.

In 2013, The Serious Sweet Company sold over £2m of traditional English confectionery, marking an increase of 17% on the previous year.

The Ultimate English range, which includes luxury fudge, toffee, brittle, honeycomb and coconut ice, is initially being piloted to independent retailers, cafes and delis across Yorkshire with over 70 stockists already confirmed. A national rollout of the brand is scheduled for later in 2014.

According to the company, recent reports show sugar confectionery is expected to shift an annual volume of 180 million Kg across Europe by 2017.

In the UK alone, bite size confectionery has seen 40% growth over the last four years and is now worth £550m per annum.

Managing Director of The Serious Sweet Company, Rob Whitehead, said: “We saw a huge gap in the sugar boiled confectionery market for a product that is high quality, but more convenient, relaxed and that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

“Most adults are big kids at heart and we know from our research that that’s what appeals about Ultimate English – the opportunity to enjoy some traditional treats in a much more modern, fun and convenient format.

“Although the brand may not take itself too seriously, we have been serious about ensuring the product itself is of premium quality and our 170 years of confectionery know-how has gone into the development of our range.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .