British bon bon confectioner Bristows of Devon announces new hires and factory upgrade

The Paramount Retail Group (PRG), which acquired confectioners Bristows of Devon in 2017 and lollipop maker Crawford & Tilley in 2018, has made a raft of appointments following significant investment in the traditional British brands.

Master confectioner Andy James has returned to Bristows of Devon, it was announced, and brings with him over 25 years of confectionery-making experience and a history with Bristows brands under previous ownership. James is currently working with the Crawford & Tilley team to increase operational efficiency post-acquisition.

Nigel Moult becomes commercial director for PRG’s confectionery portfolio and Steve Page has been appointed to the post of UK sales manager across both companies.

Bristows of Devon has a long history of making confectionery in the town of Crediton in Devon. It was formed in 1932 but has had connections to sweet makers in the town for over 100 years. Bristows operated under variety of incarnations before its assets were acquired by PRG in 2017 and restored to operation as Bristows of Devon, and employs 29 people.

Crawfords is well known for making lollipops, while Tilleys has a long tradition in making hard-boiled sweets. The two companies came together some years ago to form the joint operation.

PRG said that, following £1.2m ($1.4m) of investment and renovations to the Bristows of Devon factory, the business was given an outstanding BRC A-rating in the summer. It has also achieved RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) supply chain accreditation.

Ravi Sharma, PRG director, said that the companies are totally complementary with lollipops and hard boilings made by Crawford & Tilley and fudge, toffee and bon bons produced at Bristows.

He explained to confectionerynews.com his plan for the future: “Nigel will have primary responsibility for the development, implementation and management of the commercial strategies and we are delighted to have him on board. We are in the process of making additional senior management appointments who will work with him to move the division forwards. Synergies within the group mean that we’ve been able to bring in professional teams in HR, finance and distribution to support the confectionery arm of the business​.”