YORK Fruits, jelly sweets formerly made by Terry’s of York, have been acquired by Tangerine Confectionery.

Tangerine Confectionery, which has UK factories in York and Pontefract, acquired the brand with Smith Kendon Travel Sweets. It said manufacturing of both brands would remain in mainland Europe.

Smith Kendon is the original travel sweet brand established in London in 1780 and a perennial favourite amongst consumers of all ages. The business acquired York Fruits in January 2008.

Tangerine said that with wide distribution in the major supermarkets as well as travel retail, the Smith Kendon range would complement Tangerine’s successful Taveners travel tin range which is primarily sold to export markets and the acquisition of York Fruits consolidated its position as market leader in fruit flavoured jellies.

The acquisition follows that of the Wham bar and Highland Toffee brands last year and Alison Brand, marketing director for Tangerine Confectionery, said the company was forging ahead with its growth strategy which has seen its turnover treble to about £160 million in the last five years.

She said: “To be starting the new year bringing these two great brands into our portfolio is a real coup for the business, particularly in such quick succession of Wham and Highland Toffee.”