Major 25th milestone marked for Pecan Deluxe’s European operations

Inclusions and toppings specialist, Pecan Deluxe Candy, is marking a major milestone, as its European division celebrates its 25th anniversary of operating in the region, reports Neill Barston.

Established in 2000 as a fully owned UK subsidiary of the US-based Pecan Deluxe Candy, which traces its origins back to 1950, the Yorkshire arm of the business has continued to post notable growth.

The UK branch of the business has evolved from a modest operation into one of Europe’s most dynamic suppliers of sweet inclusions and toppings for the food and beverage industry, including for confectionery.

From cookie dough, fudge and praline nuts to brownie and cookie pieces, Pecan Deluxe’s ingredients add indulgent texture and flavour to a host of household-name products enjoyed by consumers across the UK, Europe and the Middle East. 

Notably, the company has also gained momentum in supplying numerous retailers, Quality Service Restaurants (QSR’s), casual dining and food service chains. Prior to its acquisition by Pecan Deluxe, the Sherburn-in-Elmet based company operated under the name Harriet Websters, specialising in the production of fudge. Since the change in ownership, substantial investments have been made in both innovation and workforce development, facilitating the company’s expansion into bakery, chocolate, and confectionery
production to meet increasing market demand.

Company’s established history
As the business noted, its UK branch has played a strong role in the company’s broader history.

The business was originally founded by  Texan ice cream retailer J.C. Brigham in 1950, with the company  creating a range of candies to be used in its own scoop shops.

Over seven decades later, the family-owned company has become a global leader in inclusions, expanding its international footprint with state-of-the-art facilities in Dallas, Texas (celebrating an impressive 75 years in business in 2025). It also has its Yorkshire site in the UK, and Pak Chong, Thailand (celebrating its 10th anniversary this year).

With all three Pecan Deluxe sites achieving landmark anniversaries, 2025 is truly a year to celebrate. Pecan Deluxe Europe marked its ‘official’ 25th birthday earlier this year with a visit from President Jay Brigham, a spectacular cake and celebrations for all staff.

Under third-generation President Jay, Pecan Deluxe continues to push boundaries — from pioneering popping boba production outside Asia to doubling the size of its Thai operations in response to rising demand.

As the business noted, a quarter of a century on from its founding, the European business  remains committed to its founding principles: quality, creativity, and a people-first culture.

As previously reported by Confectionery Production, a major £3 million factory extension in 2018 enhanced manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics capabilities, while the continued emphasis on innovation resulted in the successful launch of the ‘Bling’ range in 2021 — allowing Pecan Deluxe to offer its range of premium ingredients to smaller businesses and
catering providers through ecommerce and wholesale distribution channels.

Managing Director Graham Kingston welcomed its key milestone this month. He said: “There are great plans afoot and many more developments in the pipeline. We operate in a fast-paced industry, and we’ll continue to stay ahead of food and beverage trends to bring innovative, high-quality products to market. Watch this space.”