Thorntons Continental chocolates

Thorntons is a storied British chocolate brand with roots dating back to 1911, when Joseph William Thornton opened his first sweet shop in Sheffield, England. The business grew as a family-run enterprise for over a century, becoming one of the most prominent names on the British high street, known particularly for its toffee, fudge, and its signature "Continental" chocolate range launched in the 1950s.

In 2015, the brand was acquired by the Italian confectionery giant Ferrero for approximately £112 million. Following this acquisition and the subsequent challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Thorntons transitioned its business model in 2021 by closing its physical retail stores to focus on supermarket distribution and online sales.

Today, Thorntons products are primarily manufactured at the company's major production facility in Alfreton, Derbyshire, UK. While owned by an Italian multinational, the brand maintains its British heritage and domestic manufacturing base, operating as a key subsidiary within the Ferrero Group's global portfolio.