Local pudding and jam makers join forces

In a deal to be completed this month, luxury pudding maker Coles Traditional Foods, will become part of the Wilkin & Sons group, best known for its ‘Tiptree’ preserves.

Coles employ around 20 staff at the bakery near Saffron Walden in Essex.  Chris Cole, whose father started the first Coles bakery over seventy years ago will remain as Managing Director.  He told us “It’s very much business as usual. My main concern was to protect the future of the business.  I’m delighted that we will be working with Wilkin & Sons.”

“Coles has an international reputation for high quality puddings and cakes” said Ian Thurgood, Joint Managing Director of Wilkin & Sons Ltd.   “It’s a great opportunity and represents part of our long-term vision to establish a group of benchmark premium food brands.  Our plan is for further investment to develop the Coles brand as the clear market leader.”