Makers urging Blackpool rock to be given a protected status amid rise in 'cheap imitation imports'

Rock makers are warning that businesses could close if Rock is not given a protected status.

This comes as they say they've seen an influx of cheap Chinese imitations making their way onto shelves.

In an open letter, ten producers have warned that recently eight Rock factories in Blackpool have closed - with the nine that remain being put in danger.

The ten businesses say: " Our industry has been an integral part of the local economy and British tourism sector, employing hardworking individuals and contributing significantly to the cultural heritage and tradition of British confectionery.

"However, the rise of cheap Chinese imported imitations poses a grave and immediate challenge to our industry, jeopardising the livelihoods of our employees and the sustainability of our business. Specifically, products that are made in China but call themselves “Blackpool Rock” or similar."

David Thorp runs Stanton & Novelty Confectioners in Blackpool, a business that has been in his family for generations. He says livelihoods are at stake: "The situation is critical, there is only ten factories remaining - and we don't just make Blackpool rock, these factories make 99% of the Rock around the country.

"While there is ten factories now, there was 20 factories a couple of years ago and there's probably going to be only eight of us next year - we are under a lot of threat."

David added: "It was an overnight thing, we became aware of it at the start of this year, it has come in at volume all of a sudden.

"It is having a massive affect on all these ten factories, we are seeing a decrease in sales on our Rock because of this."

The manufactures have applied to the UK geographical indication (GI) protected food name (PFN) scheme. Its hoped that this would help to identify the locally produced products from the imported counterparts.

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