Beech’s Fine Chocolates celebrate centenary year in the same factory where it all began

Beech’s Fine Chocolates is celebrating their 100th year

Founded in 1920, Beech’s Fine Chocolates is celebrating their centenary year in the same factory on Fletcher Road in the heart of Preston.

Now under the control of the Whiting family, Andrew and his two sons Peter and Michael, the company has maintained its dedication to producing the highest quality confectionery using only the finest ingredients and traditional methods.

The brand is recognised and enjoyed throughout the world.

Beech’s take pride in their training and employing skilled tradespeople to operate the machines and produce their goods.

Many of their manufacturing techniques have stayed how they were years ago, for example, traditional starch moulds are used to create their fondant creams.

However, in some areas, Beech’s are committed to being as modern as possible.

Over the last five years, massive strides have been taken to transform the packaging and environmental policies of the factory.

The business has recently invested in new packaging machinery which is capable of being plastic free, and they ensure all plastics in use are grade A recyclable.

Beech’s is also a supporter of the Fairtrade Cococa Programme, which enables more small farmers to sell their cocoa beans in the Fairtrade market.

Some of the delicious confectionery which can be bought at Beech’s

Andrew said: “Overseas buyers and consumers love the quality of fine British chocolate and Beech’s is proud to be shipping our range to the USA and Canada, Japan, the Middle East and Australia.

“Some of our recipes have remained unchanged for decades such as our classic Fondant Creams, made with sumptuous fondant centre enrobed in our smooth dark chocolate.

“We keep ourselves up to date with new product trends and markets. Not many people realise that all our chocolates are made using gluten free ingredients, and in keeping with our strong environmental policies, our entire range is palm oil free and uses no genetically modified foods.

“Another major change we have made over 100 years is to move to all plant-based ingredients. This means that vegans can enjoy a large portion of our products too, and most of our dark chocolate packs are marked with the vegan logo.

“The entire 50-strong workforce at Beech’s is looking forward to another 100 years of making quality British chocolates from the same factory in Preston, and we thank all our customers and suppliers for their loyalty over the last century.”

Have you ever sampled Beech’s Fine Chocolates confectionery? Let us know in the comments below.

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