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Assortment of sweets and confectionaries

Our Story

Valeo Confectionery today

Innovative. Responsible. Passionate.

1800's

Black and White Factory Image Black and White Factory Image Black and White Factory Image

In 1848 the Barratt brand was founded in Shoreditch by Mr George Osborne Barratt.
Later in 1880 Fox's Confectionery was founded by Walter Richard Fox in a Victorian warehouse in Leicester.

1900's

Old Factory Gate Old Factory Gate Old Factory Gate

1903 saw the Hillard brothers produce their first batch of hard gums in Cleakheaton, making the Lion brand name known. William Henry Tavener began experimenting and making boiled sweets in green glass jars in 1904.

1920's

Old Fox's Glacier Mint Van Old Fox's Glacier Mint Van Old Fox's Glacier Mint Van

In 1918 Fox's Confectionery launched their world-renowned, clear Glacier Mints.
In 1922 Peppy the Polar Bear was born... Drawn by Clarence Reginald Dalby who illustrated the Thomas the Tank Engine books, Peppy became the new face of the Fox's brand.

1920's

Sherbet fountain old school packaging Sherbet fountain old school packaging Sherbet fountain old school packaging

The 1920's was a big decade for Barratts, releasing the brand's famous Black Jack & Fruit Salad chews at the start of the decade. This was followed with their Sherbet Fountain launch in 1925.

1920's

Poster depicting a witch making magical poppets Poster depicting a witch making magical poppets Poster depicting a witch making magical poppets

In 1925 George Payne & Co launched their first chocolate covered Brazil nuts as part of the Just brand.

A few years later in 1927, Poppets launched with their original flavour. 

1930's

Old sherbet fountain poster Old sherbet fountain poster Old sherbet fountain poster

In 1930 the Ruffles launched, bringing coconut and raspberry fondants to the confectionery market.

In 1935 Barratt followed suit with the release of their now popular sherbet DipDab.

1940's

Old sherbet fountain posters Old sherbet fountain posters Old sherbet fountain posters

In 1940's Barratt Refreshers were released and our brands continued to flourish with our confectionery in full swing.

From lollipops to Sherbet Fountains, Liquorice Allsorts to boiled sweets, Jelly Babies, Nougat, mints and toffees of all kinds, we filled as many confectionery counters as possible with our family of sweet treats!

1980's

XXX Strong Peppermint Packet XXX Strong Peppermint Packet XXX Strong Peppermint Packet

In 1980 Barratt Wham bars hit the streets selling over 30 million bars per year at their peak!

Later in 1987 XXX Strong Mints launched, traditionally hard pressed and packing a powerful mint kick.

2000's

Girl with barratt refreshers sweets stacked on her head Girl with barratt refreshers sweets stacked on her head Girl with barratt refreshers sweets stacked on her head

In 2008 Henry Goode's Curious Confectionery Co launched, producing packets of unashamedly British and superbly soft Eating Liquorice.

From 2015 onwards the Barratt brand continued to grow, introducing new flavours and launching our much loved Softies collection - Soft versions of our favourite Barratt Retro sweets!

Our Visions & Values

Our Confectionery travels the globe

Our Brands

Where the magic happens

  1. Blackpool

    Soft Eating Liquorice
    Liquorice Allsorts
    Bon Bons
    Gums & Jellies
    Chews

  2. Blackburn

    Mint Imperials
    Chocolate Coated
    Chocolate Centred

  3. York

    High Boil
    Mints
    Chocolate Enrobing
    Fudge
    Eclairs
    Caramels & Toffees
    Poppets

  4. Liverpool

    Marshmallows
    Foams
    Caramels & Toffees
    Eclairs

  5. Pontefract

    Anglo Bubbly
    Jelly Beans
    Liquorice Varieties
    Coconut Mushrooms
    Nougat
    Sherbet
    Gums & Jellies

  6. Cleckheaton

    Traditional Hard Gums
    Fruit Jellies
    Gums & Jellies
    Novelty Gums

Explore Our Factories
A Map of the Valeo Confectionery Factories