Longton
Toffee makers sticking to same recipe 125 years on
This year marks 125 years in business for world-renowned toffee-maker Walker's Nonsuch
Laura JamesBusiness Editor
05:00, 5 MAR 2019
Walker's Nonsuch factory in Longton.
The story of this family-run business starts in 1894.
Former potter Edward Joseph Walker opened a sweet shop in Longton with his sister Florence where they began making toffee from the 'perfect recipe' of good ingredients such as whole milk and butter.
It was such a success that it wasn't long before Edward decided to open a small factory, and in 1915 his son Edward Victor joined the business.
Walker's Nonsuch was established as a limited liability company in 1922, and the business flourished.
The sweet shopw Edward Joseph Walker opened with his sister Florence in 1894.
But tough times lay ahead with the onset of World War Two, and Edward Victor was forced to restrict production due to the difficulty he had sourcing ingredients.
Nevertheless, the company continued to produce its now world-famous toffee, and once restrictions were lifted, business was booming again.
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In 1947, Walker's Nonsuch moved to a large factory in Calverley Street, Longton, and eventually acquired two other businesses – boiled sweet manufacturers Horleston Brothers Ltd and Siddalls Blue Churn Confectionery.
This factory remains the home of Walker's Nonsuch today – and its 70-strong workforce.
Edward Joseph Walker, founder of Walkers Nonsuch.
Export and marketing director Emma Walker – who is the great-grandaughter of company founder Edward Joseph – said: "When Edward Joseph began making toffee in 1894, little did he know it would be enjoyed in over 50 countries worldwide today.
"And that is why we remain committed to following in his footsteps – all while retaining good business values and a true love for our products."
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In 1962, Edward Victor passed away, leaving brothers Edward and Ian responsible for the company.
As joint managing directors – and with the help of company secretary Cyril Jackson – they invested in modern machinery which enabled the firm to bolster its toffee production to today's rate of 1.25 million a day.
Edward passed away in 1981, leaving brother Ian at the helm.
Ian Walker had been at the helm of Walkers Nonsuch until his death in 2017.
In 1974, global demand for toffee led Ian and his fellow toffee-makers to exhibit at ISM in Cologne, Germany – an event the company has attended every year since.
Ian Walker, above, served 62 years in the family company until he passed away in 2017.
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Ian's daughter Emma said: "Dad had a wealth of experience and was greatly respected in the industry for having good business values, something which we endeavour to follow today.
"He developed the range and travelled the world selling our toffee. He was a man of sincerity and principle and was a true embodiment of actions speak louder than words."
Ian daughter's Emma, her sister Katie – who looks after UK sales – and his nephew and production director Edward are now at the heart of Walker's Nonsuch, along with managing director Adrian Hill, who is eager to grow the business.
And a fifth generation of toffee-makers have since joined the business, including Jessica, Jonathan and Jamie.
Walker's Nonsuch were the Lifetime Achievement Award winners at the 2017/18 Sentinel Business Awards. Pictured is Janet Bott, Adrian Hill, Emma Walker and Jan Boden.
Today, Walker's Nonsuch – which was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at last year's Sentinel Business Awards – boasts a range of 14 different twist-wrap toffees and toffee bars, including its latest ranges, salted caramel and double dipped chocolate toffees.
The products are supplied to supermarkets, cash and carries and specialist food distributors across the UK and exported to more than 50 different countries across the world – from Aruba to Australia.
Now, to mark its milestone 125th anniversary, Walker's Nonsuch is planning a series of monthly events throughout the year – including celebrations, competitions and charity events.
Emma said: "Quality is still at the forefront 125 years on. We continue to make quality toffee and, just like Edward Joseph, we understand the importance of staying true to quality and listening to customers.
"To commemorate this momentous occasion we will be staging a series of monthly events, from celebrating with customers worldwide, consumer competitions to local charity events."
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