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The Golden Casket Group Of Companies

Way back in 1959, when Harold McMillan was Prime Minister, and sweets were less than 6p per quarter and milk was 4p per pint, a young man, Douglas Rae, a qualified banker with £100 in his pocket, set out on a business career when he formed, from scratch, a limited company to market confectionery. His family, his friends and his colleagues within banking circles thought that he had gone mad; they only thought it!

Back in the 50’s and earlier, young bankers, irrespective of their qualifications, were very poorly remunerated. Having married in 1957 and with a young son born in 1958 and another in October 1959, Douglas Rae concluded that he could no longer afford to give Banking the benefit of his services for so very little in return so he took the decision to plunge into business on his own account.

Having acquired the exclusive agency for Daintee Confectionery Co., work began in earnest. Good early progress was made and, shortly thereafter, further agencies were acquired. Within 5 years, three full-time sales staff had been engaged so that full coverage of Scotland could be offered to companies seeking an exclusive distributor for Scotland.

In 1965, Golden Casket acquired the exclusive distribution rights for Scotland for the famous Kunzle cakes. In the year previous, the turnover for Kunzle cakes was only £10,000 per year but, within 18 months of acquiring the agency, Golden Casket had increased the turnover to over £200K. Growth continued and by 1968 Douglas Rae had 12 salesmen operating in Central Scotland giving an annual turnover of just over £500,000.

The year 1969 saw Charles Forte acquire the Kunzle Company which virtually signalled the end for the successful Golden Casket/Kunzle arrangement. Although Golden Casket had a contract with Kunzle, Forte, on acquiring the Kunzle business, quite naturally wanted the profitable Central Scotland operation. In exchange for Forte taking over the Kunzle sales, Golden Casket were given the Scottish agency for the famous English manufacturing company, Fuller’s, who produced cakes, chocolates and sugar confectionery. Fuller’s was a sister company of Terry’s of York which was another Forte holding company. Although initially Golden Casket suffered badly through the loss of the Kunzle agency, it was not too long before sales were built up again with the ever increasing demand for Fuller’s cakes and sweets.

In 1971, circumstances forced the Company into making a very important and significant decision. Terry’s announced that their sister company, Fuller’s, was about to be sold. A large American company, who were keen to get their own manufactured products into the UK market through Fuller’s 6,000 accounts, were negotiating to acquire the company from Terry’s. On hearing this news, Douglas Rae immediately headed for York to talk with the Terry’s board. To lose yet another exclusive agency after so much work and input was too much to ponder. During the York visit a remarkable deal was struck between Terry’s and Douglas Rae which enabled Golden Casket to acquire Fuller’s. This would not have been possible but for the excellent support and goodwill of the Terry’s Chairman and Managing Director, Ian Johnston, as without his support and co-operation,

an agreement would not have been reached.

The consequence of the agreement to purchase Fuller’s meant Golden Casket effectively became a manufacturer of confectionery as well as being confectionery marketing specialists from that very day.

The present site at Fort Matilda was acquired in 1971 and was transformed from empty units without electricity, which had broken floors and dirty bare walls, into an attractive production factory. The transformation was not achieved without a great deal of hard work and no little anxiety. As soon as the factory was habitable, the plant and machinery was transferred from York to Greenock and installed with the assistance of engineers from Terry’s. During the period of the factory construction, Terry’s continued to make all the Fuller’s products at York while the finished products were transferred to Greenock for sales and distribution throughout the UK. As soon as the installation was completed, Terry’s sent operatives to Greenock to train the newly acquired Greenock staff. Progress was slow at first and, when demand far outstripped the level of Greenock production, Terry’s kept supporting the Company by continuing to manufacture goods according to their needs for a further five years. This outstanding relationship was made possible through the friendship of Douglas Rae and Ian Johnston. Who said that ‘big business’ does not have a kindly face?

In 1976, Fuller’s (Golden Casket) were asked by old established confectionery manufacturers, Buchanan’s of Scotland, if they would be interested in making their extensive range of products for them under “own label”, as their Glasgow factory was to close having been acquired, under compulsory purchase order, by the then Glasgow Corporation. The addition of Buchanan’s requirements greatly

boosted the weekly output from the Greenock factory; in fact, the Buchanan’s brand became such a significant part of the Greenock production that Douglas Rae negotiated the takeover of Buchanan’s under a unique settlement agreement which is still in vogue to this day.

Running parallel to the expansion of the manufact-uring side, Golden Casket acquired an exclusive agency for a Dutch company which, over the years and to this day, has been an ongoing success story. Gilda BV, Rotterdam, with little business in the UK market, placed their trust in Golden Casket who, within a few years, increased the Gilda UK turnover

from £50K per annum to over £1M.

In 1987, Fuller’s was sold to John J. Lees Plc. Golden Casket and Buchanan’s of Scotland however, remained under the ownership of Douglas Rae. In 1989, the business of Drysdale & Gibb was taken over as it fitted comfortably into the niche market occupied with pride by Buchanan’s. All plant, plus a few members of staff, were transferred from Wishaw to Greenock.

Turnover continued to increase and, in 1995, a further acquisition was made when Golden Casket took over the ailing English company, Caramel House Ltd of Merseyside. As with the Drysdale & Gibb takeover, the business of Caramel House was transferred to Greenock and merged with the existing business.

In 1990, a new product range named ‘Millions’, the brainchild of Douglas Rae, was launched. Millions, the tiny, tasty chewy sweets, available in several different fruit flavours, became an instant success. Through innovative marketing and presentation, the Millions brand has grown to now being worth over £11M in today’s marketplace. TV campaigns in support of Millions have also helped to boost demand for this product range which is a great

A craftsman rolling a Gibb boiling

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favourite with children and adults alike. Similarly a website was created by Marketing Director, Sandra Fisher, who has been responsible for much of the growth of the popular Millions brand.

Simultaneous with the introduction of Millions was another product range that has also prospered and which is now worth over £11M in the marketplace, namely ‘Half Pounders’ – a range which now encompasses more than 60 varieties of sweets, all with the same retail price and, similarly, the same trade price for each variety. Half Pounders has become the private retailer’s ‘own label’ brand and is only available through the private sector.

Half Pounders, like Millions, has benefited through substantial TV support which has helped grow the brand to an extent that it is now a firm favourite with consumers throughout the entire UK. Half Pounders represents the best value for money of any confectionery range currently on sale in the UK. Over 4,000 Half Pounders stands, displaying the ‘big yellow bags’ are sited in retail shops throughout the country helping growth of the Greenock based brand.

In 1998, the Company acquired the business of Hills of Hawick whose main product, Hawick Balls, enjoyed a high profile through the constant PR generated by Bill McLaren, the well known rugby commentator. Hill’s, like Caramel House, was

acquired ‘lock, stock and barrel’ with the plant and the production being transferred to our Greenock factory.

Over the years, in fact every year, the turnover of Golden Casket has increased and

it is now one of the most successful confectionery companies and the largest in Scotland. The Company which was formed in 1959 is still being led by the founder, Douglas Rae. Its success, however, is not due to just one man. The Company’s strength is to be found in the dedication and knowledge of its committed staff, the majority of whom have served the Company for many, many years.

A further and interesting acquisition took place in the summer of 2006 when Scotland’s oldest manu-facturing company, J. & A. Ferguson Limited of Glasgow, was purchased. The Ferguson business was started in 1794 and produces possibly the finest chocolates that are manufactured today in the UK. This is the expressed view of many Ferguson customers who shared these comments with us when the Ferguson business was acquired. The company is now registered as J. & A. Ferguson (1794) Ltd. To own the oldest manufacturing company in Scotland gives an added pride to all employees of Golden Casket. Manufacturing was moved to Greenock when the business was acquired and is accommodated within a 16,000 sq.ft. factory extension.

Many overtures and offers of takeover have been made to the Company in recent years but all have been rebuffed as Golden Casket want, like Walkers, Tunnocks and Baxters, to remain independent and within private ownership.

Golden Casket’s policy of acquisition will continue subject to the products of the company of interest being complementary to those currently produced by us. Our Company are renowned for the consistent high quality of our productions so any acquisition considered will have to match or be capable of matching the high quality standards to which our customers are accustomed.

Award winning Buchanan’s toffees

Scotland’s finest chocolates

Rich Treacle Toffee - wrapped and ready

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Known as the “Confectionery Clan”, Buchanan’s is one of Britain’s most famous confectionery brands. Established in 1856, over 50 brand lines are produced in the Golden Casket factory in Greenock. Such is the wide appeal of

Buchanan’s that they are presented in everything from designer pre-packs to traditional jars. The range has many original recipes including our exclusive award winning Italian Creams, Russian Caramels

and the renowned Buttered Brazils. These three won the Food from Scotland Excellence Award and the brand picked up the European Award for Excellence.The purpose-built Buchanan’s of Scotland display stand is one of the most eye-catching examples of successful merchandising.

Chocolate Assorted Cream

Chocolate CaramelButtered Brazils

Chocolate Italian Cream

Chocolate Russian Caramels

Super Jelly Beans

Butterscotch

Rich Liquorice Toffee

Chocolate Peppermint

CreamPolly Pastilles

Dairy Fudge

Glucose Barley Sugar

Rich Butter Toffee

Rich Treacle Toffee

Glucose Fruits

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Buchanan’s Oblong Fudge range

Buchanan’s Barrels Box range for sharing

Buchanan’s Taper Box range

Buchanan’s Retro range

Buchanan’s Square Box range

The famous buttery mint tasting Hawick Balls.

Buchanan’s Butter Tablet

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It’s only fairBuchanans have been producing FAIRTRADE confections

for many years.

Our production site is based in Greenock in the West

of Scotland and has a long and proud history of trade

with every corner of the world. The sugar we use comes

from Malawi and as Buchanan’s started trading over 150

years ago we may well have been buying from the great,

great grandfathers of today’s producers- a tradition we are only too pleased to

continue. Through buying products from these sources together we can help

hard working cane growers to improve their living standards and provide a

better future for themselves and their families.

There are 11 varieties in our FAIRTRADE range. 10 in bags as shown above and in

bulk, including Barley Sugar, displayed on the right.

It’s traditional.You’ve got to have

Hawick Balls to play rugby.

The one and only Hill’s Hawick Balls were made famous by the legendary rugby commentator Bill McLaren. These boiled sweets are minty and buttery at the same time and come in a wonderfully retro tin, but don’t let that fool you these are the original Hawick Balls made to the same secret recipe they always were.

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We specialise in bulk and pick and mix confectionery. We offer a host of fantastic confections from chocolates to boiled sweets, toffees, mints, chews, fudges and a selection of jelly lines. Branded or unbranded wrappers.Most are packed 4x3kg per case and there are 50 cases per pallet. Minimum 20 cases per variety.

The Choice Is Yours

(1) Vanilla Fudge (2) Chocolate Fudge (3) Coffee & Cream Fudge (4) Cranberry & Orange Fudge (5) Liquorice Fudge (6) Rum & Raisin Fudge (7) Ginger Fudge

(33) Chocolate Italian Creams (34) Chocolate Caramels (35) Buttered Brazils (36) Russian Caramels(37) Iced Caramels (38) Chocolate & Orange Caramels (39) Chocolate Peppermint Creams

(40) Chocolate Assorted Creams

(41) Banana Splits (42) Clotted Cream Toffees (43) Liquorice Toffees (44) Butter Toffees(45) Assorted Toffees (46) Liquorice Whirls (47) Treacle Toffees (48) Strawberry Splits

(49) Gilda Strawberry (50) Gilda Spearmint (51) Magic Mints (52) Gilda Cinnamon (53) Gilda Fruit

(8) Spearmint Chews (9) Super Jelly Beans (10) Barley Sugar (11) Milk Chews (12) Polly Pastilles (13) Chocolate Raisins (14) Fruit Chews (15) Chocolate Eclairs (16) Liquorice Comfits (17) Clove Rock (18) Dolly Mixtures (19) Chocolate Peanuts (20) Winter Mixture

(21) Calypso Fruit (22) Butterscotch (23) Cinnamon (24) Liquorice Selection (25) Buttered Gingers (26) Glucose Fruits(27) Summer Fruits (28) Strawberries & Cream

(29) Blackcurrant & Liquorice (30) Mint Humbugs (31) Rhubarb & Custard (32) Buttermints

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25

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14

27

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30

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1932

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6

1326

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3441

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4445

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5651

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(54) After Dinner Mints (55) Edinburgh Rock (56) Summer Creams(57) Ginger Creams

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www.millionssweets.co.uk

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Millions - the tiny tasty chewy sweets invented by Golden Casket in 1990 are still growing in sales year on year.The product is an established favourite with children and adults alike.The Millions name is recognised world wide and was declared winner of the Food from Scotland Excellence Awards two years running and also winner of the Royal Mail Marketing Award.The brand never stands still. The Company continually think about new flavours, new pack innovations and new lines such as the fabulous Millions Chocolate Bar. All flavours including the chocolate bars are vegetarian approved.

Millions, the tiny tasty chewy sweets being packed.

Traditional weigh out jars are still a big part of the Golden Casket business – giving retailers a point of difference. Jars from Millions brand, Buchanan’s, Gilda and Gibbs.

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As well as weigh out, tubes, minis, shakers and chocolate bars Millions also offer a 227g gift jar in 6 flavours.

Millions Gift Jars

Gilda Strawberry Gilda Mint

Gilda Cinnamon

Gilda Fruit

Gilda Spearmint

Millions Tubes – the number 1 selling pack

Millions Shakers – re-sealable packs, ideal to shake and share!

New Mini Millions – pocket size packs, pocket size price

The Collection

J & A Ferguson1794

Established in 1794, J & A Ferguson’s is Scotland’s oldest and

finest chocolate manufacturer.

Our recipes use only the highest quality ingredients and our chocolate and sugar

confectioneries have been delighting people for over 200 years.

Each chocolate is still hand-made by expert confectioners and our

sugar boilings come in beautifully distinctive treat sized jars.

A luxurious selection of creamy fondants encased in an exquisitely rich, dark chocolate. Enjoy the sheer decadence of flavours such as walnut, lime and exotic pineapple. Presented in an elegant box, each one contains a mixture of 12 chocolates.

The ultimate in indulgence. Enjoy a taster of the entire Ferguson’s range from assorted silky creams to dark, dramatic truffles and not forgetting everyone’s favourite, Chocolate Stem Gingers. Presented in an elegant box, each one contains a mixture of 12 chocolates.

Silky fondants infused with rose and violet oils, all enrobed in irresistible dark chocolate. Loved by people everywhere. Presented in an elegant box, each one contains a mixture of 12 chocolates.

The J & A Ferguson’s traditional gift bag range, made with original recipes and manufacturing techniques. Comes in three different varieties: Butter Tablet, Scottish Fudge & Spicy Ginger Fudge.

Whatever the occasion celebrate it with rich, dark truffles infused with heart warming rum, champagne, brandy, Drambuie and Grand Marnier. Presented in an elegant box, each one contains a mixture of 12 chocolates.

Alternatively all our chocolates are available as a single flavour weigh out 2kg box. There are nineteen different creams and truffles to choose from including Coffee, Strawberry & Tangerine creams and Whisky, Brandy and Rum truffles to name a few.

Keep your taste buds in seventh heaven with these dark chocolate and succulent ginger chocolates. The perfect excuse for an indulgent night in. Presented in an elegant box, each one contains 12 chocolates.

This traditional range is made with natural flavours and colours and has ten different varieties to choose from. These include favourites such as Rosie Apples, Strawberries & Cream, Mint Humbugs & Soor Plooms. Presented in a distinctive treat sized jar, they are ideal for giving and sharing.

Chocolate Assorted Creams

Deluxe Chocolate Assortment

Chocolate Rose & Violet Creams

113g Gift Bags

Chocolate Assorted Truffles

2kg Weigh Out Boxes

Chocolate Stem Gingers

200g Small Gift Jars

J & A Ferguson1794

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Golden Casket have on offer to the retailer some fantastic individual lines:

A range of six traditional Variety Rock stick boxes – choose from fruity flavours, cola or mint.

Ever popular Fudgy Wudgy Bars – a tasty individual fudge bar – on the go since 1990 - packed 60 per outer. Also available in Multi Packs - ideal for lunch boxes and party bags.

Milk Chews are another superb eating line – 20 stick packs per display tray.

Those who have been in the confectionery industry for some length of time will recall the famous Gibb claim that they were the Rolls Royce of boiled sweets. It was and remains a very reasonable claim. The combination of real flavour and perfect design sets Gibb apart from most of the market.

Specialities such as Black Striped Balls, Candy Balls, Mint Humbugs, Sherbet Straws and Rhubarb Rock speak of an age when a gift of confectionery really meant something! Cooked slowly in open copper pans to seal in flavour and enhance taste, these sweets are then caramelised and hand-striped to perfection. Only highly skilled craftsmen can produce the Gibb range and their abilities are among the most highly prized assets of the Golden Casket Group.

This range is unwrapped and available in weigh out jars and hand packed pre packs.

Old fashioned taste...today

A confectionery craftsman

folding in a boiled sweet

before building up the stripes

PACKAGINGOne of the benefits that accrue from decades of manufacturing such a wide range of confectionery, is packaging versatility. Our customer support staff are well versed in our capabilities and will be happy to discuss packaging, presentation and weights with retailers here and overseas. Our Greenock manufacturing centre packages in every style from flo-thru right up to special gift boxes and presentation packs. We welcome challenges.

PRODUCT DIVERSITYThe confectionery industry is a very crowded marketplace within which many companies produce what can only be described as

‘me too’ product ranges. At Golden Casket, innovative and unique products are offered in compelling, colourful packaging which ‘catch the eye’ of discerning consumers. Three ‘big brands’ dominate our ranges, ‘Millions’, ‘Half Pounders’ and ‘Buchanan’s’ whilst there is widespread support for our gift range which has recently been augmented by the acquisition of Ferguson’s, makers of connoisseur hand-made chocolates since 1794. Additionally, the hand-fashioned boiled sweets of Gibbs with their delicate ‘striping’ and ‘colouring’ are very popular with consumers. We believe that the variant choice within the Golden Casket range ensures that the tastes of all consumers are well catered for.

Golden Casket Gross Weights (KG)

Product Gross Outer (kgs)

Gross Case(kgs)

Outers in case

Outers per layer

Cases per layer

Outers perpallet

Cases perpallet

Gross pallet weight kgs

Fudgy Wudgy multi 2.7 16.2 x6 15 - 150 - 420.0

Fudgy Wudgy 1.7 21.0 x12 - 9 - 54 1149.0

Choc Bars 0.6 7.3 x12 - 11 88 - 983.0

Milk Chews 0.9 14.3 x16 - 10 - 60 873.0

Millions Jar 2.4 14.4 x6 - 6 - 36 533.4

Millions Tubes 0.9 10.5 x12 - 10 - 60 645.0

Millions Minis 0.9 10.0 x12 - 13 - 52 535.0

Millions Shakers 1.5 11.7 x8 - 14 - 70 834.0

Millions Taper Jars 3.3 13.7 x4 20 120 - 411.0

Gilda Jars 2.2 17.6 x8 - 6 - 42 754.2

Gilda Bulk 3.0 18.5 x6 - 8 - 54 1014.0

Boutique Jars 1.5 9.3 x6 - 10 - 50 480.0

115g Oblong Fudges 1.6 21.0 x12 - 8 - 24 519.0

Edinburgh Rock(Satchels x 18)

1.8 - x18 14 - 140 - 260.0

Edinburgh Rock(Boxes x12)

2.5 - x12 14 - 140 - 365.0

Seasonal Barrels 2.4 - x12 10 - 100 - 255.0

Fergusons Chocolate Boxes 170gl Boxes 170g

1.8 11.5 x6 - 7 - 14 176.0

Fergusons WeighOuts 2kg

2.3 14.5 x6 - 7 - 14 218.0

Ferguson 113g Bags 2.2 13.4 x6 - 8 - 16 229.4

Six ouncers 2.2 22.8 x10 20 - 200 - 455.0

Halfpounders 2.9 29.5 x10 20 - 200 - 591.0

Fairtrade PrePacks 1.9 19.3 x10 - 14 - 28 555.4

Gibbs Pre Packs 2.5 26.0 x10 - 8 - 16 431.0

Buch Pre Packs 2.9 29.5 x10 20 - 200 - varies

Includes pallet weight of 15kgs

BULK CONFECTIONERYMost lines packed 4x3 kilos per case 50 cases per pallet.Varieties may be mixed on a pallet – minimum 20 cases per variety.

Standard pallet 120cm x 100cm

Euro pallet information by enquiry

Fort Matilda Industrial EstateGreenock, Scotland PA16 7QF

Tel: +44 (0)1475 721099+44 (0)1475 728771+44 (0)1475 728066

Fax: +44 (0)1475 784644

enquiries@goldencasket.co.ukwww.goldencasket.co.uk