Fox's Burton's Companies UK Limited (FBC UK) is one of the leading biscuit manufacturers in the United Kingdom, bringing together two of the most beloved and iconic brands in British confectionery—Fox’s Biscuits and Burton’s Biscuits. Headquartered in St Albans, FBC UK is known for its rich heritage, commitment to innovation, and a portfolio of category-leading snack brands recognized both domestically and internationally.
Brief History
FBC UK was formed in 2021 following the acquisition of Fox’s Biscuits by the Ferrero Group and its subsequent merger with Burton’s Biscuit Company. The integration of these two powerhouse biscuit brands brought together over 200 years of combined baking tradition and expertise. Fox’s traces its roots back to 1853 in Yorkshire, while Burton’s was established in 1935 and became widely known for popular household names like Jammie Dodgers and Wagon Wheels.
Core Business
The company operates as a vertically integrated food manufacturing group with a focus on:
- Branded biscuit production
- Confectionery and snack innovation
- Private label partnerships
- Export and licensed production
Its product lines serve supermarkets, convenience stores, foodservice providers, and international retail chains.
Product and Service Offerings
Branded Biscuits
- Fox’s Favourites & Chocolatey Rounds – premium shortbread and indulgent biscuit lines
- Maryland Cookies – one of the UK’s top-selling chocolate chip cookie brands
- Jammie Dodgers – jam-filled treats for all age groups
- Party Rings – iced ring-shaped biscuits popular in children's markets
- Wagon Wheels – classic marshmallow-filled chocolate snack
Confectionery and Savoury Snacks
- Lyons – tea-time biscuits and tarts
- Royal Edinburgh – traditional Scottish shortbread
- Fish 'N' Chips – nostalgic savoury snacks
Private Label and Retailer Brands
- Development and production of biscuits for major UK and international grocery retailers
- Custom formulations, packaging, and co-manufacturing services
Specialisation and Core USP
FBC UK is distinguished by:
- Heritage-rich branding supported by consumer nostalgia and loyalty
- Multi-site manufacturing footprint with facilities in Batley, Llantarnam, Blackpool, and Edinburgh
- R&D excellence with constant SKU innovation and seasonal product development
- Strong export capabilities, supported by compliance with international food standards
As part of the Ferrero Group, FBC UK benefits from global supply chain synergies and expanded market access.
Financials
Though private, industry analysts and media reports suggest:
- Estimated annual revenue exceeding £300 million in 2023
- Fox’s Biscuits previously reported standalone revenues of £150+ million
- Burton’s Biscuits accounted for 15% of UK’s ambient biscuit market share
- More than 30 million packs sold annually across core brands like Maryland and Jammie Dodgers
- Export revenues contribute over 20% of total sales, with growth in Asia and the Middle East
Shipment and Export Data
Based on trade and customs intelligence:
- Products shipped to over 60 countries, including the USA, UAE, China, Germany, and Australia
- Partnered with over 100 distributors and retail chains globally
- Participated in private label programs in Tesco, ASDA, Sainsbury’s, and Lidl
- Export portfolio features branded and white-label SKUs tailored to local taste profiles
Target Market
FBC UK serves a diverse consumer base through:
- Retail supermarkets and convenience stores
- Export distributors and grocery chains
- E-commerce and online grocery
- Foodservice and hospitality partners
- Kids and family-centric product categories
Capabilities
- 5 major manufacturing facilities in the UK with high-speed automated lines
- Integrated R&D labs for texture and flavor development
- Seasonal and themed production (e.g., Christmas, Halloween, Ramadan packs)
- Sustainability-focused packaging innovations
- Robust QA and food safety systems aligned with BRC and IFS standards
Certifications and Compliance
- BRCGS (Global Standard for Food Safety) Certified
- ISO 9001, ISO 22000 quality management systems
- Compliant with UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) and EU labeling laws
- Active sustainability commitments under the Ferrero Group:
- 100% sustainable palm oil sourcing
- Responsible cocoa supply chain programs
- Reduction of single-use plastics across packaging
Customer Testimonials
“The strength of the Fox’s and Burton’s brands lies not just in nostalgia, but in their ongoing innovation. FBC UK is a reliable partner for delivering bestsellers to our shelves.”
— Senior Buyer, National Retail Chain
“We partnered with FBC UK to launch a seasonal biscuit line for our Middle East market, and the customization support and quality exceeded expectations.”
— Export Distributor, UAE
Major Achievements
- Top 3 biscuit manufacturer in the UK by volume and value
- Awarded Great Taste and Product of the Year UK across multiple SKUs
- Successfully launched sugar-reduced Maryland and gluten-free ranges in 2022
- Introduced plastic-free packaging trials in 2023, achieving a 20% reduction in packaging weight
- Achieved 95% national retail penetration across UK grocery sector
FBC UK continues to shape the future of snacking in the UK and beyond through a strategic mix of brand heritage, manufacturing excellence, and forward-thinking innovation in the global biscuit and snack category.
