From world-famous sweets and biscuits to traditional cheesemakers and brewers, we look at the household names that have put Lancashire on the map.
Lancashire has given the world some of its most recognisable household names, from the unmistakable taste of Fisherman's Friend to the pies, biscuits and cheeses that have been enjoyed by generations of families.
Some began as small family enterprises, with recipes and traditional methods passed down through the generations. Others grew into international businesses, taking the county's manufacturing reputation far beyond its borders.
In the first of our two-part series, we explore the history of some of the best-known food and drink brands with Lancashire connections, including those that continue to manufacture their products here today.
1. Dr Oetker factory
Dr Oetker factory, Moss Side, Leyland in 2020. Dr Oetker is a German food company founded in 1891 by pharmacist Dr August Oetker in Bielefeld. Its breakthrough product was a ready-to-use baking powder designed to help home bakers achieve consistent results. The family-owned business subsequently expanded into dessert mixes, baking ingredients and frozen pizzas, becoming an internationally recognised food manufacturer. Its Lancashire connection comes through its frozen pizza manufacturing operation in Leyland. Dr Oetker has operated in the UK since 2000 and has its British commercial headquarters in Leeds, with its manufacturing facility in Leyland. | Johnston Press
2. Dr Oetker factory
A further view of the Dr Oetker factory, Moss Side, Leyland in 2020 | Johnston Press
3. Dr Oetker factory
Business, education and council leaders paid a visit to Leyland’s famous frozen pizza manufacturer, Dr. Oetker. in 2014 | User (UGC)
4. Dr Oetker factory
Seema Kennedy MP visits Dr Oetker in Leyland in 2019 | (c) Simon James Williams Photography.
5. Fisherman's Friend
An aerial view of the Fisherman's Friend factory and Fleetwood marina in 2011 Fisherman’s Friend began in Fleetwood in 1865, when local pharmacist James Lofthouse developed a strong preparation containing menthol, eucalyptus and liquorice for fishermen suffering from sore throats in the harsh conditions of the North Atlantic. The preparation was originally sold in liquid form before the distinctive lozenges became established. The business remained in the Lofthouse family and developed into a major international brand. Fisherman’s Friend is now sold in more than 40 countries, with annual production exceeding five billion lozenges, according to the company. Despite its international success, the lozenges continue to be manufactured in Fleetwood, making it a particularly strong example of a Lancashire-born brand that has retained its original manufacturing base | Johnston Press Resell
6. Fisherman's Friend
Doreen Lofthouse with husband Tony Lofthouse (Left) and son Duncan Lofthouse outside the Fleetwood base in 1990 | Staff