Hancocks to host 60th birthday celebrations at Watford depot

Hancocks is all set to host an event to celebrate its 60th anniversary at its Watford depot tomorrow (25 August).

The UK’s leading confectionery wholesaler is marking the 60th anniversary year with events across the country.

The depot on Colonial Way, Watford will be celebrating the milestone with an event for customers and suppliers.

Customers will have hundreds of offers to take advantage of as well as prize draws and giveaways. There will also be the opportunity to chat with the team and suppliers.

The event is sponsored by Haribo, Nestle, Mondelez and Frisia.

Hancocks has been in Watford for 18 years and although it’s one of the smallest depots in size, it’s one of the largest for turnover thanks to its export sales.

“We’re looking forward to bringing the 60th anniversary celebrations to Watford. We’ve been here since 2005 so it’s great for us to be able to mark that with our customers and suppliers,” Ian Hayes, Hancocks Watford area manager, said.

“For any business to reach such an anniversary is a real milestone, even more so after the last two years and the changes we’ve all had to make to adapt to the challenges of the pandemic. We’ve seen our customer base evolve during that period. There’s been an influx of different businesses adding on confectionery for online sales and delivery options.”

The depot employs eight members of staff and supplies retailers across London and the South East with confectionery from around the world. It also offers a click and collect service for customers who prefer to shop online.

The depot exports across the globe to countries including the Bahamas, Malta, Hong Kong, Dubai, Portugal, Germany, Nigeria and many more.

“Our offering at the store is strong which is why we’re able to attract a global customer base. We also sell to former Apprentice winner Sarah Lynn and her business Sweets in the City, Kingdom of Sweets and traditional confectionery retailer, Mr Simms,” Hayes added.

“This event is also a chance for us to talk to retailers to show them what we have planned for the coming year, the offers available to them and the new confectionery lines we’ll be introducing.”

Sixtieth anniversary celebrations will be taking place across the Hancocks stores throughout this year.

The wholesaler has its roots in the East Midlands and was founded by Ray and Liz Hancock who began wholesaling confectionery from their sweet shop in 1962.

In 1969 the second store opened in Sheffield with Stoke on Trent, Manchester and Birmingham opening shortly after. By 1986, Hancocks had seven stores across the UK.

“Reaching such a milestone anniversary is a testament to how our teams across the business work together, the service and products we’re able to supply to retailers, however large or small and the suppliers we work with on a daily basis,” Jonathan Summerley, Hancocks chief operating officer, said.

“As with all retailers, we had to adapt and evolve over the years, more so in the last two years. We’ve invested heavily in our online offering, and this combined with the 14 depots across the UK, means we offer flexibility and the opportunity for retailers to shop in whatever way suits them.”

Hancocks, part of the World of Sweets group, is the UKs leading confectionery wholesaler with 14 nationwide cash and carry stores and an online channel.