The parent company of Whitakers Chocolates, Bramble Foods, has driven investment in the business, after moving to a new site in Market Harborough, as well as announcing plans to expand its workforce, writes Neill Barston.

As the business confirmed to Confectionery Production, it has  expanded into Lancaster House, a purpose-built 67,000 sq. ft distribution centre at Airfield Business Park,  built by Leicestershire County Council.

Notably, the advanced facility becomes Bramble Foods’ main national distribution hub, significantly increasing warehousing and distribution capacity while supporting the company’s expanding portfolio of premium food brands and growing customer base across the UK.

Moreover, the business  manufactures its own ranges of cakes, traybakes, preserves, chutneys, sauces and confectionery, alongside distributing an extensive portfolio of leading food brands.

The Bramble Foods family includes Whitakers Chocolates, which it acquired in a deal at the start of last year, with the long-established Yorkshire business continuing to expand its operations across the UK. 

Employing around 300 people, the business delivers around 2,500 seasonal products, and the LDC-backed Bramble Group, noted potential to increase its workforce to 350 employees over the coming years.

Steve Heighton, who this year celebrates an extraordinary 50 years of service working alongside the Foster family and Bramble Foods, took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside Tony Foster (Managing Director), Chris Neville (Finance Director), Ken Osborne (Sales Director) and Councillor Harrison Fowler, Leicestershire County Council Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, together unveiling a specially commissioned commemorative plaque.

Steve Heighton said: “Having worked with the Foster family for over 50 years, I’m honoured to have been asked to officially open our new distribution facility. It marks another important milestone in what has been a truly enjoyable and rewarding career. Seeing our continued growth and investment in the future and my hometown is something I’m incredibly proud to be part of, and I look forward to seeing what we achieve in the years ahead.”

Airfield Business Park was first opened by the council in 2019 and is home to 14 businesses. This year, the council has more than doubled the popular site – from 81,000 sq. ft. to 190,000 sq. ft – and the expansion includes Lancaster House.

The building itself pays tribute to the site’s aviation heritage – situated on the former Market Harborough Airfield, Lancaster House honours the iconic Lancaster Bomber and preserves an important part of the area’s history.

Tony Foster, Managing Director of Bramble Foods, said: “The opening of Lancaster House marks a significant milestone in the continued growth of Bramble Foods.

“On top of the additional space, we’re investing in our people, improving the service we provide to our customers and creating the capacity to support the next stage of our journey.

“What makes today particularly special is that the official opening was carried out by Steve Heighton, who is celebrating 50 years of service with our business. Steve embodies everything Bramble Foods stands for – loyalty, commitment and family values – and it’s only fitting that he helped mark the beginning of this exciting new chapter.”

Designed with sustainability at its heart, Lancaster House incorporates solar panels, electric vehicle charging points, enhanced insulation and modern construction methods – creating a high-quality working environment while minimising environmental impact.

Councillor Harrison Fowler, cabinet member for resources, said: “It’s really great to see the latest phase of Airfield Business Park open, and it’s particularly good to see Bramble move into a bigger site. Helping to keep them in Market Harborough means they can retain their heritage and means we can see a local business continue to thrive as they go from strength to strength.

“The other new units will also help to support local business, our local economy and generate income for the council which will go directly towards the delivery of our vital services.”

Bramble Foods has grown to become one of the UK’s leading fine food wholesalers and manufacturers, supplying thousands of independent retailers, farm shops, garden centres, delicatessens, visitor attractions and national retailers with an extensive range of confectionery, preserves, bakery products, gifting and seasonal food.

The new facility has been designed to improve operational efficiency, increase stockholding and strengthen customer service – providing the capacity to support future product development and long-term investment across the Bramble Foods family of brands.

It boasts an EPC rating of A+, a 50kW solar array that should save between 45,000 and 50,000 kWh a year as well as two electric vehicle charging points.

Lancaster House represents the company’s long-term commitment to innovation, sustainability and the local community – building on decades of family values while investing confidently in the future.