Trade rockets for treacle toffee firm

Keeping the business in the family provided continuity and ensured the expertise and experience of five generations was passed down to the current great-great granddaughter of the founder, Miriam Walshaw, who now runs the business with her husband Stephen.

The company, staying true to its roots as a traditional sweet maker, still runs an old-fashioned ‘sweet shop’ in Southgate, close to the factory in Elland.

The firm was honoured to supply its popular mint imperials for the wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank earlier this year.

Miriam said: “One of the main reasons for the longevity of the company has been the unique taste of our products. Time after time we receive testimonials from our customers about the superior taste of our sweets when compared to our competitors.

“Many of our recipes and manufacturing techniques have been handed down through the generations and we always use the finest quality ingredients, including real treacle and butter in our bonfire products.

“We are very pleased to see our traditional sweets on the shelves at Asda for the eighth year running – it means the popularity and the love we have for our confectionary is spreading.”

Phil Goddard, Asda buying manager, said: “We couldn’t be happier to continue our long-lasting partnership with Joseph Dobson Confectionery.

“The huge increase in demand over such a short period shows the popularity of the traditional treacle toffee confectionary and proves it to be a well-loved delicacy across Yorkshire.”