Nestled in the heart of Devon, England, Bristows Confectionery has been crafting timeless British sweets since 1932. With a legacy that bridges generations and a reputation built on quality and tradition, Bristows has carved out a cherished place in the confectionery world, especially for lovers of classic bon bons. Whether you’re a nostalgic sweet-shop fan or a curious foodie, the story of Bristows and their bon bons offers a delicious journey into British sweet making heritage.
The History of Bristows Confectionery 🍬
A Legacy Born in Devon
Bristows of Devon was originally founded by the Bristow family in 1932 in the market town of Crediton, Devon, where the art of sweet making has roots stretching back even further. Over the decades the brand became known for its traditional toffees, fudges, boiled sweets, and, of course, bon bons.
Despite facing business challenges and changes in ownership — including a period under the name Crediton Confectionery — the Bristows name was restored after a major revival by the Paramount Retail Group (PRG), which invested in modern production and brought back time-honored recipes.
Tradition Meets Innovation
Today, Bristows of Devon continues to create mouthwatering sweets that honour their rich heritage. Their products range from traditional Devon clotted cream toffee and fudge to innovative flavour twists like Mocktail bon bons in flavours such as Peach Bellini, Mojito, and Gin & Lemon.
The company also claims to produce the only dual-coloured bon bon in the world and is the only UK supplier of toffee-centred bon bons, showcasing a blend of classic and creative confectionery craftsmanship.
The Sweet Magic of Bon Bons 🍡
What Are Bon Bons?
Bon bons — the star of Bristows’ confectionery range — are bite-sized sweets featuring a hard, often colourful sugary shell and a soft, chewy centre. Bristows’ traditional bon bons typically have a Devon toffee centre wrapped in a sweet coating, with flavours like lemon, strawberry, and blueberry-raspberry delighting shoppers in bags and jars.
The word bon bon itself comes from old European tradition — originating from the French bon meaning “good” — and historically referred to a small, sweet treat enjoyed at social gatherings and special occasions.
Fun Facts About Bon Bons and Confectionery 🍬
Here are some tasty tidbits that will make you appreciate bon bons even more:
🍬 Century-Old Treats – Bon bons have been popular in British sweet shops since the mid-20th century, often sold by weight (in jars or bags) and beloved for their bright colours and sweet, chewy allure.
🍬 Name Origin – The term bon bon echoes European roots where “bon” literally means “good good” — a fitting name for something so sweet.
🍬 Nostalgia Factor – For many in the UK, bon bons evoke memories of childhood trips to local sweet shops, buckets of treats scooped into paper bags, and special occasions where sweets crowned Christmas stockings or party favour boxes.
🍬 Modern Revival – While bon bons declined in popularity in some regions, traditional and artisanal producers like Bristows are helping keep the classic sweet alive and loved by new generations.
Why Bristows Confectionery Still Matters 💛
From the rolling fields of Devon to shelves across 32 countries, Bristows’ Confectionery commitment to quality and tradition shines through every bag of bon bons, every piece of fudge, and every handcrafted sweet. With a blend of rich heritage and playful innovation, the brand isn’t just selling sweets — it’s preserving a taste of British confectionery culture.
Whether you’re indulging in classic toffee-centred bon bons or discovering the zesty zing of new flavours, Bristows Confectionery proves that great sweets are more than just treats — they’re memories you can taste.
Ready to Explore Bristows Sweets?
If you’re craving authentic British bon bons or traditional Devon confectionery, dive into the world of Bristows — where every piece tells a story of flavour, history, and joy. 🍭