Sales, volumes, profitability, and market share have all improved in the latest financial year for biscuit manufacturer Fox’s Burton’s Companies (FBC) UK.
The St Albans-based firm reported revenue of £491.2m for the 53 weeks to 31 August 2024, up 28% from the £384m in FY23, although this growth rate was reduced to 11% when considered on a like-for-like (LFL) basis. The previous year had seen a 22% leap in LFL turnover.
FBC UK noted that, while volumes had risen, the growth had also been down to price increases across the category, made in response to the impact on key ingredient costs of inflation and the Ukraine conflict.
Gross profit margin had improved from 15.3% in FY23 to 18%, which it said was driven by a branded focus and inflation recovery. FBC UK produces sweet treat brands including Maryland, Fox’s Fabulous, Jammie Dodgers, Party Rings, Rocky, Wagon Wheels, Mars Biscuits, Paterson’s, Lyons, Bronte, Burton & Browne, and The Skinny Cookie Co. It also makes the Thomas Fudge’s and Nerds confectionery ranges.
Fox’s Biscuits and Burton’s Biscuits were merged in early 2022, having both been acquired by Ferrero in the preceding years. The official name change to FBC UK came on 28 March 2024 with trade, assets, and liabilities transferred at net book value a few days later.
FBC UK said the benefit of bringing together the two companies under one combined senior leadership team had continued to strengthen its market position as the second largest biscuit manufacturer in the UK. Its share of the total sweet and savoury biscuit market was up to 12.5% from 12.1% the year prior. Pladis, the owner of snacking brands such as McVitie’s, Jacob’s, and Carr’s, reported last year that its market share was at 22.2%.
Improved financial metrics for FBC UK in FY24 drove its adjusted EBITDA up to £20.2m, almost double that from the previous period. Meanwhile, it reduced its operating loss significantly from £10.9m down to £1.3m, with an exceptional cost of £2.1m relating to a new ERP system implemented during the financial year.
The business – which operates seven production sites in Batley, Blackpool, Edinburgh, Kirkham, Livingston, Llantarnam, and Uttoxeter – said it continues to invest in its brands through above-the-line advertising campaigns together with innovative NPD and existing product reformulations. Among the new items launched since its entered its latest financial year are a festive trio of Fox’s biscuits and rebranded Maryland cookies for Christmas as well as the first new shape for Party Rings in 42 years (pictured above). Earlier in 2025, it relaunched its Thomas Fudge’s brand with a new design and more indulgent recipe, while also adding 19 trailers and two vans to its delivery fleet.
It said it remained confident that its “relentless focus will continue to distinguish the company from its major competitors and ensure that consumers continue to love the biscuits it bakes”.
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