Inferior Chinese imports threaten Blackpool Rock

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Inferior Chinese imports threaten Blackpool Rock

No holiday in Blackpool would be complete without chewing on some tasty Blackpool Rock, however the sweet treat is under threat from an influx of far inferior Chinese imports. 

Calls for Blackpool Rock to be given protected status

Many are calling for Blackpool Rock to be given protected status on the back of news that the sweet treat is under threat due to increasing imports of inferior Chinese confectionary as well as a lack of skilled workers. Indeed, the number of workers in the UK with the skills required to ‘letter’ the sticks of rock is as low as 30 with almost every one of them being based in Blackpool.

Fearing for the future

The resort’s manufacturers are fearing for the future of locally-made Blackpool Rock with the number of producers in the town falling from 30 to just 9 in recent years. This number may fall even lower if the rise in cheap and inferior imports continues unabated.

Sold for over a century

Blackpool Rock has been sold to tourists for well over a century and first appeared during Victorian times when the town became a hugely popular seaside destination for thousands of mill works from industrial centres in Lancashire such as Manchester, Wigan and Bolton. The origin of the sweet treat is unclear but it is thought to evolve from the similarly-sized fairground rock which didn’t include the writing found inside the stick.

Highest quality

British confectionary is recognised worldwide as being of the highest quality and Blackpool Rock maintains this high standard. The imported Chinese goods are far inferior in terms of quality, however they are offered at a cheaper price and this has resulted in some wholesalers stocking large quantities.