
Swizzels Matlow, the confectionery company known for Love Hearts and Refreshers, saw its profits halved in its most recent financial year, despite a surge in sales to nearly £100m. The firm, based in the Peak District, reported a pre-tax profit of £4.4m for 2023, a significant drop from the £8.2m recorded in 2022.
According to recently filed accounts at Companies House, Swizzels Matlow's turnover rose during the same period from £89.3m to £96.6m, as reported by City AM.
The company's UK turnover increased from £76.6m to £80.8m over the year, while its European sales also grew from £10.1m to £13.2m. However, its sales in other global markets remained steady at £2.6m.
Over the course of the year, the average number of employees at Swizzels Matlow increased from 561 to 578.
These results follow the completion of a new manufacturing and warehouse site in Middlewich, Cheshire. The new facility is expected to significantly boost production capacity, according to Swizzels Matlow.
A statement approved by the board read: "The group continues to invest heavily in new equipment in order to improve efficiency and product quality."
During the year, Swizzels Matlow reached an agreement with M&S following accusations that it had copied its Percy Pig sweets. As part of the "amicable resolution", Swizzels Matlow agreed to alter the design of its Pigs Mugs sweets.
M&S initially claimed in November 2022 that the sweets were too similar to its own.
As per a 37-page document submitted to the High Court in London, since its inception in 1993, the Percy Pig brand has amassed a turnover of £131.7m.