Lancashire has given the world some of its most recognisable household names, from the unmistakable taste of Fisherman's Friend to the pies, biscuits and cheeses that have been enjoyed by generations of families.
Some began as small family enterprises, with recipes and traditional methods passed down through the generations. Others grew into international businesses, taking the county's manufacturing reputation far beyond its borders.
In the first of our two-part series, we explore the history of some of the best-known food and drink brands with Lancashire connections, including those that continue to manufacture their products here today.
9. Burton's Biscuits
The Burton's Biscuits factory on Devonshire Road in Blackpool in 2020 The origins of Burton’s Biscuits date back to 1882, when George Burton began baking biscuits. The business subsequently expanded, with Burton’s Gold Medal Biscuits established by his grandson in 1935. Blackpool became an important centre of biscuit production, with Bee Bee Biscuits opening a bakery in the resort in 1922. That bakery would become particularly associated with Maryland cookies. Burton’s went on to produce some of Britain’s most familiar biscuit brands, including Jammie Dodgers, Wagon Wheels and Maryland. In 2022, Burton’s and Fox’s Biscuits merged to form Fox’s Burton’s Companies, bringing together two major names in British biscuit manufacturing. The combined business sells its products in more than 55 countries | Johnston Press
10. Burtons Biscuits
Danish pastries being prepared for icing back in the day at Burton's Biscuits | JPIMedia
11. Burton's Biscuits
Burton's Biscuits were launching a new range of cookies in 2015 | Johnston Press
12. Burton's Biscuits
This group of biscuit makers had gone back to work at Burtons Biscuits after a gap of 40 years. They called themselves Burton Belles | JPIMedia