2023

2023 marked the 125th anniversary of Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls and it proved to be a remarkable year at The Toffee Works. The celebrations were kicked off with an auspicious visit from the Mayor of Wigan in January, along with special recognition from Wigan Council who marked the celebrations with some special signage. We were very proud to be on the seven signs welcoming people to our town.
The Toffee Works gained more attention with an exciting visit from the BBC, which spotlighted the rich heritage and craftsmanship behind Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls. The televised feature brought the story of our iconic Mint Balls to a broader audience, showcasing the dedication and passion that has defined our brand for over a century.

We were then elated to be announced as winners of a North West Family Business Award which added to our 125 year celebrations: The NWFBA are organised and run by The Family Business Community and provide a fantastic opportunity to celebrate family businesses of all shapes and sizes, from across all sectors and industries. The 2023 awards were held at the Concorde Conference Centre, Manchester airport and were presented by food writer, broadcaster and proud northerner Nigel Bardenon. We were honoured to be presented with the award as winners of the Large Food & Drink Producers category.

As the year unfolded; with various collaborations, charity events, Willy Wonka style Golden Tickets and a museum exhibition to boot, The Toffee Works stood as a beacon of tradition, innovation, and community spirit. The 125th anniversary of Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls became not just a milestone but a testament to the legacy of a much loved confectionery that has sweetened the lives of generations.