Iconic Beech's Fine Chocolates Closes After 105 Years Due to Rising Cocoa Prices
Beech's Fine Chocolates, a family-run manufacturer of fine chocolates based in Preston, has announced its closure after more than a century in business. The company cites an "unsustainable" rise in the price of cocoa as the primary reason for ceasing operations, marking the end of an era for the artisan chocolatier.
The End of an Era for a Preston Institution
Beech's Fine Chocolates had been crafting artisan chocolates, including truffles, fondants, and luxury chocolate bars, from its factory on Fletcher Road in Preston since 1920. The closure, which took place on Thursday, is attributed to dramatic price increases, particularly the soaring cost of cocoa. Andrew Whiting, chairman of the firm, expressed his sadness over the difficult decision.
"A tanker last year cost £24,000 and now costs £78,000." - Beech's statement
Contributing Factors to Closure
The financial strain caused by rising cocoa prices was further compounded by increases in National Insurance, the minimum wage, and a significant surge in energy costs. While Beech's implemented a 20% price increase for customers, this was insufficient to offset the escalating costs, especially leading up to the crucial Christmas season.
Andrew Whiting stated the price increase was like a "300% tariff."
Family Legacy and Fond Farewells
The Whiting family, which owns Beech's Confectionery Group, initially funded the establishment and growth of the brand. Andrew Whiting acknowledged the deep connection many in Preston have with the company, saying, "There will be a lot of people in Preston with fond memories of relatives having worked at Beech's or themselves in more recent times and we all said a fond 'au revoir' to each other on the day we closed."
Unique Collaboration with African Royalty
In a unique venture, Beech's collaborated with His Royal Majesty Oba Dokun Thompson Gureje IV and Queen Angelique-Monet to launch the Gureje IV brand, using cocoa beans from Eti-Oni province in Nigeria. The profits from these bars were intended to support the Eti-Oni province, home to Nigeria's oldest cocoa plantation. The royal couple visited Preston for the launch in 2024.
Lack of Available Support
Beech's sought financial assistance from Lancashire County Council but was unable to find a suitable support scheme for an established business. A spokeswoman from Lancashire County Council stated that an offer was made to help source funding via Rosebud Business Growth, but the business "did not provide further information in order to progress this."
