Coronavirus

Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls ramps up production of its Throat And Chest and Herbal Cough lozenges during coronavirus

25-Mar-2020 - Last updated on 26-Mar-2020 at 14:02 GMT

Uncle Joe's Throat And Chest and Herbal Cough lozenges. Photo: William Santus and Co.

Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls has shifted production to its Throat And Chest and Herbal Cough lozenges to help people suffering from the effects of coronavirus.

Bosses at UK-based William Santus and Co. which produces Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls, has also stepped up its online sales and delivery service as more people self-isolate at home.

Cough & colds

William Santus and Co. a privately-owned traditional sweet company was established in 1898. Its products have a reputation for helping soothe the effects of a cough and cold and were advertised as a remedy in the 1930s.

The throat and chest lozenges contain menthol to ease a sore throat and eucalyptus to tackle fever, and the herbal cough sweets contain a blend of 10 herbs, including horehound, which eases lung and breathing problems.

“Uncle Joe’s have been helping people to tackle coughs and other symptoms since they were first made, and Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls themselves contain peppermint oil, which can help ease a cold,” said John Winnard, joint MD Uncle Joe’s.

“Although people can still buy Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls in the normal way, in the light of the current situation with coronavirus and the number of enquiries we have been receiving we have decided to dedicate more production to our Throat And Chest and Herbal Cough lozenges.

“It is important to point out we are not claiming the sweets can tackle the COVID-19 virus but we hope they can sooth some of the symptoms or our online service can allow people to enjoy some sweets delivered to their door.”

Family-owned firm

The ownership of William Santus and Co Ltd has been passed down through the family generations.

The Mint Balls are still manufactured using the same traditional methods as when Mrs Santus originally made the sweets in her kitchen in 1898.

In April last year HRH Prince Charles enjoyed a tour of the Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls factory in Wigan to celebrate the centenary of The Toffee Works.

He saw how the sweets were manufactured and met joint managing directors Antony Winnard and John Winnard MBE, the great, great nephews of the company’s founder, William Santus.