Job losses
Leicester’s Big Bear Confectionery factory to close after 122 years
More than 150 jobs are on the line at the Big Bear Confectionery factory in Leicester, UK, after the company announced its closure by the end of the year.
The factory is known for Fox’s Glacier Mints and has been producing confectionery since 1897. It also makes other popular brands including XXX Mints, Paynes Poppets and Just Brazils.
It currently employs more than 200 people and so far, 17 members of staff have been moved on to other sites within the firm.
Big Bear Confectionery is a subsidiary of Ireland-based Valeo Foods after a takeover in 2017. Valeo is one of Europe’s fastest growing consumer foods producers, and recently bought Tangerine Confectionery earlier this year, which it plans to merge with Big Bear.
The merger would create a joint UK head office in Pontefract and Blackpool. Valeo managers are working with staff to assist with job relocation while plans to cease production at the factory goes ahead.
