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.
18. Uncle Joe's Mint Balls
Uncle Joe's Mint Balls represented at Wigan Carnival in the 1930s. Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls originated in Wigan in 1898, when Ellen Santus began making sweets in the kitchen of her terraced home in Acton Street. Her husband, William Santus, sold the sweets from his market stall, and the distinctive peppermint-flavoured boiled sweets quickly became popular. The business expanded into commercial production and established its factory in Wigan town centre between 1919 and 1921. The business has remained associated with Wigan ever since, with its distinctive red-and-white striped packaging and the familiar Uncle Joe character becoming recognisable far beyond the town. Production still follows methods similar to those used by the original founders, although modern machinery has been introduced to increase capacity. The sweets continue to be manufactured at the company's historic Wigan factory | User (UGC)
19. Uncle Joe's Mint Balls
Terry Wynn, North West MEP, gets to sample the Uncle Joe's Mint Balls straight off the production line during his visit to William Santus & Co, to talk about the Euro and exports (and rugby and football!), with joint managing director Antony Winnard | Staff
20. Factory
David Butler pours out a mixture for Uncle Joe's Mint Balls at the Santus factory in Dorning Street, Wigan, in July 1977 | Copyright picture by Frank Orrell