Wilkin and Sons

The brand was born in the Essex village of Tiptree in 1865, when the Wilkin family began their transition from farming to arboriculture.

When the British Prime Minister of the time recommended preserving fruit, Arthur Charles Wilkin began canning fruit initially intended for sale in London markets.

A relief fund for the elderly was set up to help the district's most destitute. Arthur Charles Wilkin played an active role in the creation and management of this fund. At this time he also donated an acre of land to the Congregational Church, helped fund the building of the Salvation Army Hall and employed Salvation Army cadets.

Business was interrupted during the First World War, but once it was over the situation improved and by 1922 the company owned over 100 houses, eight farms, a windmill, a blacksmith's shop, the Salvation Army hall, the factory and 1,000 acres of land.

During the Second World War, Wilkin and Sons came under the control of the Ministry of Food and was able to continue trading.

In more recent times, as the traditional market declined and British craft manufacturing became almost rare, Tiptree's business has gone from strength to strength. A renewed interest in local fruit has helped the farm to thrive, and today it grows more fruit than ever before.

2010, the 125th year of jam production at Tiptree, saw record sales despite the global recession. That year also saw a visit from Her Majesty The Queen.

Today, Wilkin and Sons not only produces Tiptree preserves, but also has a thriving fresh fruit business and several tea rooms.