SOLD : Great Appetite for Organic Fudge Business

Over 20 years ago Richard Dennison established a fudge making business operating from his home and sold his fudge, alongside ice cream at his local market and from a mobile stall in Exeter city centre. Over time he came to recognise that the future for a really successful fudge operation was via an ‘organic and fair trade route’ and he started to develop the business in that way. 

evon Cottage Organic Fudge was born. He decided to concentrate almost entirely on manufacturing, with a view to wholesaling and he reduced the time spent operating the stall just to Saturdays. Many new customers were attracted by the organic and fair-trade ethos of the business with the fudge being produced with quality ingredients; golden unrefined sugar, double cream, butter, powdered milk and (certified gluten free) wheat syrup. Although no additives or colouring is used the fudge still has a 6 month ‘best before’ date. The theme of organic production is continued into the packaging of the fudge where 100% biodegradable boxes are used.

Richard started to attend national and regional trade shows and launched a web site in order to improve brand awareness and sell on-line. The business began to expand further and distribution began through a variety of channels to many top name retailers and other outlets such as The RSPB and Natural History Museum started to take the product but selling the fudge under their own labels.

However, having established great foundations for the business Richard decided that it was time to aim towards retirement and chose to instruct specialist business transfer agency, Beardsley Theobalds of Exeter (01392 253071) to act for him to handle the sale of the business. A national marketing campaign was conducted and the business was also advertised on their own and other industry web sites. The business attracted immediate interest from right across the country with the most visits to a business arranged that Beardsley Theobalds has seen for many years.

The successful purchasers of the business are Andrew Gray and Caroline Royston, a local couple who have had previous experience working in the food industry. Richard will be spending time with them for a handover to aid a smooth transition of the business.

Charles Webb, Beardsley Theobalds