A STICK of Blackpool Rock, a seaside treat since Victorian times, is as British as fish and chips, warm pints and guaranteed rain.
However, manufacturer’s of the tooth-wrecking delight have come together to warn of a “grave and immediate challenge to our industry, jeopardising the lives of our employees and the sustainability of our business”.
They say Blackpool Rock is facing such a serious crisis from Chinese imports that it needs protecting in the same way as Jersey Royals and Cornish clotted cream.
The campaign has been spearheaded by David Thorp, whose company, Stanton & Novelty was set up by his grandfather in the 1970s. Thorpe has been joined by ten other local producers, although he stated that there would have been over 30 manufacturers fifteen years ago.
“I’ve met directors of other factories I’ve never had contact with before and we are all in agreement – what is happening to us is having a massive effect.”
Thorp highlighted that all the Blackpool factories were already grappling with soaring energy expenses and the escalating costs of raw materials. However, the looming threat was the influx of inexpensive rock imports from China.
Few people realise that nearly 90 per cent of the UK’s rock production is based in Blackpool, with the town making the confectionery for most seaside resorts. But Thorp has warned of the spiralling death grip the industry has found itself in.
He was reported as saying in The Guardian: “Today I’ve made Southend rock. Yesterday it was Brighton. A couple of days ago it was Llandudno. But it could be Dymchurch or Skegness.
“There are some factories working three day weeks and all of us have had to downsize our staff. Some factories if they don’t have work on a certain week they have to close until they do get an order in.
“The problem that we’re having is that our customers aren’t always aware that the rock they are buying is a Chinese imitation.”
The letter to Parliament asks the Government to offer support in the application for geographical protection.
It reads: “Preserving the heritage and tradition of British confectionery is not only essential for our economy but also for maintaining our cultural identity and pride.”
According to Thorp granting the protection would ensure that the name ‘rock sticks’ or ‘Blackpool rock’ can only be made in the UK”.
