Jam-maker records £1.8m loss as energy costs rise

Wilkin & Sons has been producing jam from Tiptree since 1885

A world-famous jam-maker that supplied its goods to Queen Elizabeth II has suffered a £1.8m loss over the past financial year, its chairman said.

Walter Scott revealed "unprecedented rises" in energy bills had hit the Wilkin & Sons factory in Tiptree, Essex.

However, the brand, which has produced jam from the village since 1885, saw its highest ever sales in 2023 with £10m made in exports.

"I am sure that we can emerge from these ‘energy doldrums’ as a fitter, leaner and stronger organisation," Mr Scott wrote in his statement for the 2023 financial year.

The company was referenced in the James Bond novel From Russia with Love, which saw 007 sample Little Scarlet strawberry jam.

Its factory was also attended by the Queen during a private visit in 2010.

Wilkin & Sons was a Royal Warrant holder from 1911 until the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who visited the factory in 2010

Mr Scott said last year's losses were the first the company had made in his memory.

“Virtually all of our troubles can be laid at the door of energy costs," he wrote.

"Not only have these risen exponentially, but we have also been hit by unprecedented rises in the costs of raw materials.”

Company accounts showed that it was "not all doom and gloom", Mr Scott stressed.

Wilkin & Sons recorded a turnover of £53.5m in 2023, up from £48m the year prior.

Mr Scott said he was going to reapply for the firm's Royal Warrant

“We all worked on improving procedures, reducing costs where possible and generally getting better all round," the chairman continued.

“We are in possession of one of the most iconic brands in the country, and perhaps the world."

Mr Scott added that he had been invited to reapply for the firm's Royal Warrant and intended to do so.