Beckleberry’s ‘will be flying high again’ after COVID-19 pivot

A family-run sweet puddings and pastries maker has its eyes on fresh national growth after a COVID-19 pivot provided new impetus.

Beckleberry’s says it will “once again be flying high” following a switch to themed treat boxes last year.

And bosses say the Blaydon-based business is also expanding its reach across savoury, vegan and gluten-free offerings after moving to cater for customers’ varied tastes across the last 12 months.

The company moved to treat boxes – which have included sweet Mother’s Day [pictured below], Easter and Halloween indulgences – when demand from traditional clientele such as international airlines, train operator LNER and retailers John Lewis, Booths, Morrisons, as well as various restaurants, came to an abrupt stop.

After setting up an emergency shopify website and ten-mile drop-off zone during the first throes of lockdown, the firm soon saw demand rise for its range of indulgent comfort food.

Having seen its Mother’s Day, Easter and Halloween celebrations prove extremely popular, directors Pete, David and their father Ian Craig then benefited from VE Day celebrations that saw the business deliver 9000 orders of scones, tarts, cakes and patisserie.

It was also commissioned by The National Trust to make a low-fat, premium portfolio of gelatos for its historic estates.

“A year down the line, it’s fair to say Beckleberry’s is a very different business,” said the company’s trio of directors.

“A majority of the staff are back after furlough, and with the airlines and LNER limbering up to support an eagerly anticipated ‘return to normal,’ it’s very likely that in the not-too-distant future, Beckleberry’s will once again be flying high but with a second very promising strand of business treat boxes that is perfectly placed to go nationwide.”