An interview with Ian Thurgood, Joint Managing Director, Wilkin & Sons
August 31 2011
Wilkin & Sons are a global leader in making high-quality jams and marmalades and have been making their products at Tiptree in Essex for over 125 years.
Now regarded as one of the world’s premier preserve producers with exports to more than 70 countries, the company has annual sales of around £25 million and offers permanent and seasonal employment to up to 600 people.
Ian Thurgood, Joint Managing Director explains why the county’s location and transport infrastructure has enabled the company to build a highly successful global business.
How long has the company been in business?
The Wilkin family has been farming in Tiptree, Essex since 1711 and has produced jam since 1885. The Tiptree name is now a global brand with a long history of success. The company has seen revenue rising annually for more than ten years despite the global economic recession.
How important is location?
Proximity to London is vital. Tiptree preserves are on the menus of many of the capital’s leading hotels and restaurants. Good transport links mean we can deliver products to the city early in the morning so they are available for that day’s breakfast. And of course we are conveniently located for efficient distribution to retailers and catering outlets throughout the rest of the UK.
How easy is it to service your customers from Essex?
We can deliver our products to local ports like Harwich very quickly. It’s not just for export, many of our products are favourites with diners on ferries and cruise liners leaving Harwich and other ports.
What future plans does the company have?
We have made some major investments to maintain quality while keeping pace with demand. But most of our products will continue to be based on quality fruit grown locally in Essex. After 125 years our factory is getting too small. We want to stay in Tiptree if possible or somewhere nearby with a new facility we can all be proud of.
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