History

The History of Beech's Fine Chocolates

Beech's Fine Chocolates was founded in 1920 by Edward Collinson. He chose Preston because it was a busy port with good road links for distribution to the rest of the country.

Beech's Fine Chocolates was founded in 1920 by Edward Collinson. He chose Preston because it was a busy port with good road links for distribution to the rest of the country. His family already operated a chain of successful tea and grocery shops and his venture into chocolate making appeared to him to be a logical progression. Very soon, Collinson discovered that Preston women possessed a natural ability for confectionery and chocolate making and slowly, but steadily, the firm's reputation for quality grew. At first, the chocolate products were sold at fairgrounds but by the end of the Second World War, Collinson had successfully penetrated the top end of the luxury market.

The company remained in Collinson family hands until it was sold in 1966 to a family of Yorkshire wool merchants. It was during this part of its history that Beech's Fine Chocolates became a supplier to the Supercook brand which subsequently acquired the company in 1984.

In 2000, Beech's Fine Chocolates was acquired by the Renshaw Scott Group, renowned for high quality products in the catering and home baking sectors. However, the product range and distribution network of the new owners had little in common with the ideal distribution pattern for Beech's chocolates. In late 2002, Renshaw Scott accepted an approach from a management buy in team who took the company into private hands once again. With this renewed independence came increased flexibility, enabling the Beech's brand to deliver high quality confectionery products to both the multiple retail groups and to the independent trader. In the first year of new ownership, Beech's products were bought by 40% of the top 15 British retail names and distribution to independents grew by around 5 new outlets every week.

The Chairman, Andrew Whiting, has an extensive background knowledge of the confectionery industry as a consultant. The Commercial Director, Andy Scholefield, has a background in corporate finance and acquisition. Within the management team there is now a specialist for every function to ensure excellent customer service, order call off and product delivery.

New product development and a flexible manufacturing strategy mean that products and prices can be tailored to the specific requirements of different markets. With constant emphasis on quality and value for money, the new strategy is to increase sales in partnership with our customers.