Thorntons
Food and Beverage ManufacturingEngland, United Kingdom501-1000 Employees
Thorntons is a Derby, England-based company in the food and beverage manufacturing industry, employing 501-1000 people and operating a website at thorntons.co.uk. The business traces its origins to 1911 when confectioner Joseph William Thornton opened a sweet shop in Sheffield, a venture that expanded within the family to handmade chocolates, toffees and other confections. From a single shop, the company grew into a broader network, reaching about 90 shops by the 1970s and a reported total of 228 stores in later years. It produces dark, milk and white chocolate and offers products including chocolates, toffees, and gift hampers as part of its craft-focused portfolio. In recent years, Thorntons has pursued product launches such as a white chocolate 90g Bunny for gifting in 2023 and Thorntons Bites in 2021, while 2021 also saw significant store closures and related job impacts.