Coffee Flavoured Drops

About Simpkins

The company was founded in 1921 by Albert Leslie Simpkin, on his return from World War One. His concept was to manufacture high quality glucose confections using, wherever possible, only natural flavours and colours.

Business continued to flourish and he bought a burnt down refrigeration factory in Hillsborough, Sheffield. Using the shell he built a purpose made factory of 40,000sq ft and employed 180 people. It was at this time he got the idea of extending the range from bulk Barley Sugars in jars to powdered sweets in 8oz tins.

The original tins of Simpkins sweets all contained Barley Sugar Drops (which are proven to alleviate the symptoms of Travel Sickness)… hence the term TRAVEL SWEETS… Simpkins are proud to be the ORIGINAL manufacturer of Travel Sweets.

During the Second World War, when sweets were rationed, the company was zoned as to where sales could be made. Simpkins were confined to North of Birmingham and their competitors South.

Because of the unique taste and texture of the sweets in tins they became very popular throughout Europe, not through pharmacy but sales areas that were connected with Travel.

One of the first major markets in the Far East was Japan and after “Quality Street” Simpkins was among the first English confectionery sold in that country. This was aided by the fact that the product already used natural colours and flavours, thus conforming to the strict Japanese regulations.

Due to John Simpkin’s determined approach to export, today Simpkins export to over 40 countries throughout the world.

Started by Albert Leslie Simpkin in 1921, he was then joined by his sons Neville, Brian and John. In 2002 John took complete control of A.L.Simpkin & Co. Ltd.

Today, the company is controlled by John’s children, Adrian and Karen Simpkin, who are joint Managing Directors.