A bit about us

Our History

The Burton’s story is a simple one, it’s about Great British Brands and Great British Biscuits. Our history can be traced back to George Burton (born in 1829) who began baking biscuits in Leek, Staffordshire in the mid 1800’s.

In 1935 George’s grandson Joseph founded Burton’s Biscuits. Under the family’s stewardship, the Burton’s bakery grew swiftly and our biscuits and other snack foods became staples in UK households throughout the 1900’s. The seeds of Burton's focus on quality and innovative spirit were planted early on in the company’s history as it pioneered new manufacturing processes and technologies; along with its biscuits winning numerous accolades in international taste tests.

In 2000, Burton’s Biscuit Company as we know it today was formed following the merger of the Horizon Biscuit Company Ltd. and Burton’s Gold Medal Biscuits. In 2013, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan bought Burton’s and we continued on our journey of baking great biscuits and snacks for every UK household and much further afield.

In June 2021 a Ferrero-related company acquired Fox’s Biscuits and Burton’s Biscuits to create the newly formed Fox’s Burton’s Companies (FBC UK). The acquisition of these two prestigious fine biscuit makers with a rich heritage provides strong growth potential in the UK market.
 

1829
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Burton Biscuits
1829
Biscuit pioneer George Burton was born
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1874
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Burton Biscuits
1874
George Burton opened his first bakery
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1935
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Burton Biscuits
1935

Joseph Burton, George’s grandson, followed in his grandfather's footsteps and became the founder of Burton’s Biscuits 


 
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1938
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1938
The first Lyons' biscuits were baked by Burton's Biscuits in 1938.

However, the heritage of the Lyon's brand goes all the way back to 1884, to the original company founded by professional artist Joseph Lyons and his brothers in law, Isidore and Montague Gluckstein. In 1894 they started a teashop in Piccadilly, London, and from 1909 developed this into a chain of teashops known as Lyons' Corner Houses, which finally closed in 1981. 
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1948
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1948
Wagon Wheels are launched. The famous Wagon Wheel has been a lunchbox favourite for generations. With their epic sense of adventure, Wagon Wheels are loved by kids and grown-ups alike with their unique marshmallow centre, chocolate flavour coating and crunchy biscuit.

Wagon Wheels were immortalised in the 80's Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders comedy sketch, which saw Saunders stuffing an entire Wagon Wheel into her mouth! In 2005,

In 2015, Wagon Wheels were voted No.1 most nostalgic tea-time treat! 
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1952
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1952
Royal Edinburgh Shortbread is launched. We have been baking the finest quality shortbread in our Edinburgh factory for nearly 70 years, making traditional shapes and recipes along with exciting contemporary packs and flavours.
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1956
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1956

First baked in 1956 , Maryland Cookies remain a favourite biscuit barrel must-have. Maryland Cookies is the Nation’s first and favourite cookie brand, enjoyed by over a quarter of the UK’s cookie lovers each year.

From the classic 10g Maryland Choc Chip cookies, to Maryland Mini cookies - the No.1 Kids Mini - and more recently our Big and Chunky and Bars ranges, Maryland Cookies have a cookie to suit everyone!

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1960
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1960

Lovingly baked by Burton’s for over 50 years, these delicious shortcake sandwiches filled with a sticky splat of ‘Jammie’ mischief are loved by all, young and old, making them a great addition to any family biscuit tin!

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1980
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1980
Potato Puffs and Fish’n’Chips are launched
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2000
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2000
Burton’s Biscuit Company is formed following a merger of the Horizon Biscuit Company Ltd. and Burton’s Gold Medal Biscuits
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2013
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2013
 Burton’s is bought by Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and the adventure continues
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2019
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2019
Ever since Thomas Fudge founded our remarkable bakery back in 1916, we’ve been making ridiculously delicious delights for people who simply don’t have time for mediocre.

From our roots as an artisan bakery, supplying solely to the local farming community by horse and cart, to buying our first motorised van in 1942 enabling us to deliver slightly further afield, Thomas Fudge's still thinks locally when choosing our fulfilment partners.

The Thomas Fudge's bakery is still firmly based in the heart of beautiful bountiful Dorset and this is something we are super proud of. 

Thomas Fudge’s Baking Through The Ages

  • 1916: Bread
  • 1930: Patisserie Style Cakes & Biscuits
  • 1950: Chelsea Buns & Doughnuts
  • 1980: Gingerbread Men, Ginger Biscuits
  • 1993: Florentines
  • 1998: Cheddar Wafers

 

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2019
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2019
Shortbread producer, Paterson Arran, joins the Burton's Biscuits family.

Paterson's journey began with husband and wife team Isabella and John Paterson selling home baked oatcakes in Rutherglen, Scotland, when they started out in 1895.

Today, Paterson's master bakers combine traditional methods with today's technology and resources to make some of your favourite products. Our success is built on a simple formula: quality food from clean, sustainable ingredients.

Paterson Arran has grown into four unique brands. Paterson’s Shortbread is the UK’s brand leading shortbread, offering a delicious and great value treat for every occasion. The Brontë and Café Brontë range of quality portion controlled minipacks and assortments are a trusted part of the service throughout the catering, corporate and hospitality sector; with something for every occasion and every budget. Arran Fine Foods offers an award winning range of chutney, mustard and preserves for retail and foodservice.
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2021
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2021
Burton's Biscuits is bought by a Fererro related company. 
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