Walker's Nonsuch toffee manufacturers are located on Calverley Street in Longton.
Walker’s Nonsuch founded in 1894, is one of Britain’s oldest makers of traditional toffee. They started from humble beginnings and now sell their toffee all around the world.
A former potter, Edward Joseph Walker and his sister Florence first opened a tiny sweet shop in Longton.
Edward began making toffee in the back of his shop in the late 19th century and developed his own special recipe which he kept a closely guarded secret.
In 1907 Edward Walker had a sweet shop at 64 Stafford Street (now called The Strand).
To meet the growing demand for his toffee he then opened a small factory.
In 1915 his son joined the family business and Walker's Nonsuch was launched.It became a limited company in 1922.
In 1947 Walkers' acquired the Horleston business and moved their business to the Lovatt Street Works. The new factory had previously belonged to Horleston Brothers Ltd, who were boiled sweet manufacturers.
In 1961 Walkers acquired Siddalls Blue Churn Confectionery.
In 1962 brothers Ian and Edward took over and set about expanding. With new equipment and the special family recipe, the company’s reputation grew from local to national and then to international.
In 1981 Edward sadly passed away leaving Ian at the helm for 36 years until his death in December 2017 after completing 60 years of service.
Walker' Nonsuch is renowned for producing slab toffee that is broken with a little hammer. The toffee and famous little hammers are still the hallmarks of their business.
Today Adrain Hill, who has worked at the company for 36years is the Managing Director.
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A report by Laura James appeared in the Sentinel on 5th March 2019, and reads as follows;
'Toffee makers sticking to same recipe 125 years on'This year marks 125 years in business for world-renowned toffee-maker Walker's Nonsuch
"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.
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.
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.
Export and marketing director Emma Walker – who is the great-grand daughter 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.”
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.
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.
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.
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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