Manufacture and retail of high quality fudge established business based in the Lincolnshire area

For sale – a long-established (25 years) manufacturer and retailer of high-quality fudge, with a well-established local brand and a strong following, particularly in Lincolnshire.

The fudge is made at home (in a separate fudge kitchen) from high-quality ingredients in a wide range of different flavours (generally about 50). The quality, flavour selection, appearance and presentation distinguish our brand from other competitors. It is retailed at farmers’ markets, agricultural shows, exhibitions, etc., and online. There are no significant wholesale sales at present.

In the period 2015 to 2020, turnover was of the order of £45,000 p.a. when run by one person, part-time. We are looking to sell the business owing to the current owner moving abroad and the previous owner (parents in law) retiring.

There is substantial potential to increase online presence and sales. Selling at additional markets and venues around wealthier parts of the country could substantially boost turnover. Travelling further would access more markets. We tended to stick within 1 ½ hours driving time. One full-time person should be able to relatively easily build the business to at least £80,000 turnover and potentially more, making a net income of £35 to £45k.

In a good market, you should be able to sell £1,000 plus in a day. Our record day (at the Lincoln Christmas Market) was over £8,700, but a farmer’s street market may only take £400 to £500, (or less with bad position and bad weather). Over 48 days at markets between April and December 2019, we took over £47,000 and drove about 3,000 miles. Sales are generally down in January and February – partly people are full of sweets after Christmas, and the weather is generally poor, so we usually take 2 to 3 months off.

Ingredients costs are approximately 20-25% of selling costs, depending on the selling price and recipe. The product has a long shelf life, and there is very little wastage provided there is sufficient turnover.

A single experienced person should be able to manufacture over £3,500 (selling value) of fudge per day in a suitable kitchen, although we tended to make in smaller amounts unless we had a major show imminent.

Taking on the business in its current form will require:

1. Premises suitable for the manufacture of fudge for general sale, compliant with Environmental Health requirements.
2. Suitable storage for ingredients and the equipment needed for retailing at markets and shows, etc...
3. A large car, or preferably a van, to transport the equipment and product for outdoor markets.
4. A suitable personality to sell the fudge to the public.

The sale includes:

1. Access to recipes, manufacturing information, suppliers, etc.
2. Guidance to profitable markets
3. Initial help to both manufacture and sell (up to 3 sessions for manufacturing tuition, and support for up to 3 events - subject to location and time constraints)
4. Existing website and social media presence (requires upgrade and transfer of e-mail addresses etc.)
5. Help with risk assessments, environmental health requirements, insurance, etc.
6. Continuing consultancy support for 12 months

Plus physical assets:

1. Fudge kettle (new cost approx. £4,500)
2. Large microwave
3. Various cooling trays, spatulas, jugs, storage and product transportation boxes
4. Various stainless-steel catering tables
5. 2 used gazebos, one 2.2m square, one 2m x 3m with associated sheets, tarpaulins, weights, banners, etc. (some new banners will be needed to update contact details)
6. Larger (4m x 3m) marquee, (modified to create a rain shelter for the customers)
7. Large parasol and base
8. Dismountable display counters (4)
9. Dismountable tables, with stainless steel tops x 2
10. Portable handwash facilities
11. Selection of market stall clips, bungee straps, etc.
12. Pop-up banners and a marketing flag
13. Portable scales
14.  Any suitable remaining ingredients, stock and consumables, etc.

Asking price: £18k ono