Confectionery specialist creates jobs with chocolate firm acquisition

A County Durham confectionery group has announced the acquisition of hf Chocolates Ltd which will bring around 10 jobs to the Yorkshire region.

Wetherby-based Bon Bon’s (Wholesale) Ltd, which was acquired in 2017 by County Durham’s Lanchester Wines, has purchased hf Chocolates for an undisclosed sum.

Established in 1957, hf Chocolates was purchased by Stephen Pain and Thelma Benke who developed the brand into a specialist of ‘luxury’ confectionery, supplying independent retailers and visitor attractions.

The duo have sold the firm in order to retire, and will be working closely with the team at Bon Bon’s to ensure a seamless transition, with the confectionery group planning to create around 10 jobs through the acquisition.

Steve Campbell, managing director of Bon Bon’s, commented: “The addition of hf Chocolates to our business underlines our ongoing commitment to the luxury confectionery market.

“Both businesses are focused on the independent speciality food sector and our purchase of hf Chocolates will mean all customers in this sector will continue to benefit from two very distinct business and product offerings, while enjoying the high levels of customer service and innovation that the market has come to expect from Bon Bon’s.”

hf Chocolate’s director Stephen Pain added: “We’ve worked hard to build hf Chocolates into the successful business it is today, so our decision to hand over was not taken lightly.

“We have known Bon Bon’s for some time and believe its reputation for quality mirrors our own. It was vital that our business’ new owners shared our passion and commitment to both quality and customer service, and we believe we’ve found the right custodians for our business as it moves into its next chapter.”