Stockley’s Upsizes as Nostalgia Sweetens UK Confectionery Sales
Lancashire-based confectioner Stockley’s has completed a major expansion, moving into a new 60,000 sq ft facility in Burnley as part of ambitious growth plans.
The privately owned sweets producer – founded in Accrington in 1918 – said the larger site will support rising demand across its core ranges while keeping the business firmly rooted in the county it calls home.
Market tailwinds: a nation with a sweet tooth
The move follows several years of consistent growth for Stockley’s, set against a resilient UK sugar confectionery market.
Innova Marketing Insights reports a steady five-year +5% increase in sales and +3% rise in volume nationwide, with almost half of United Kingdom consumers buying sugar confectionery in the past year – well above the 40% global average.
Despite waves of healthy-eating movements, shoppers’ taste for nostalgia continues to shine through baskets. Stockley’s is benefitting accordingly, with double-digit growth predominantly driven by sweet-shop favourites, fudge and its Liquorice Flyers.
Bigger footprint, same handcrafted methods
The Burnley site – three times the size of the company’s previous premises – gives Stockley’s room to scale while retaining its traditional, handcrafted techniques.
The additional space will enable the manufacturer to expand production of hard-boiled sweets, fudge and liquorice-themed products, ensuring capacity keeps pace with demand without compromising on the craft that defines the brand.
A short move that keeps roots intact
Having operated for the last 15 years in Blackburn, Stockley’s has shifted a modest 10 miles down the road to Burnley.
That proximity allowed the business to retain its existing workforce and maintain continuity across operations – an important consideration for a company that has worked from a series of sites within a 10-mile radius of its birthplace over more than a century.
According to the managing director, the positive growing pains gave the team the confidence to invest, while the short move ensures the company stays true to its proud Lancashire roots.
Fast start and quality credentials
The transition was executed over the summer, with the Burnley facility becoming fully operational in mid-September.
At the same time, Stockley’s secured BRC AA accreditation at the new site – an early validation of its quality systems and a strong platform for future growth with both branded and private-label customers.
Refreshing the range, sweetening the choice
The expansion follows a brand refresh and a push into sugar-free sharing bags designed for today’s shoppers who still crave classic flavours.
The line-up spans six nostalgic favourites: Sherbet Lemons, Chocolate Limes, Rhubarb & Custards, Pear Drops, Blackcurrant Liquorice and Mint Humbugs – extending Stockley’s appeal to households seeking indulgence with choice.
Conclusion
With UK confectionery demand buoyed by nostalgia and steady market growth, Stockley’s has seized the moment: a larger Burnley facility, retained Lancashire talent, BRC AA accreditation, and a modernised, nostalgia-rich range.
What’s more, they have acquired more space without losing the handcraft. More capacity without losing the character. For a brand that has been sweetening British moments since 1918, the next chapter looks every bit as flavourful as the last.
News Credits: Historic sweets manufacturer moves into new 60,000 sq ft site
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