Hartleys Products

Hartley's: Britain's Favourite Jam and Jelly Brand Since 1871 Hartley's has sweetened British breakfasts and tea times for over 150 years, growing from a Lancashire grocer's improvised batch of jam to become the nation's beloved preserve brand. Now manufactured in Cambridgeshire by Hain Celestial, Hartley's continues the tradition established by Sir William Hartley. At Grocefully, we help you compare Hartley's prices across UK supermarkets to find the best deals on jams, jellies, and fruit preserves. A Grocers Emergency Becomes an Empire The Hartley's story begins in 1871 in Colne, Lancashire, with Sir William Pickles Hartley facing a supplier crisis. When a consignment of jam failed to arrive at his grocery shop, Hartley made his own rather than disappoint customers. He packaged the homemade jam in earthenware pots of his own design – and it sold exceptionally well. This improvised solution revealed a market opportunity. Three years later, in 1874, Hartley moved the growing business to Bootle near Liverpool, expanding production to include marmalade and jelly alongside the original jam. The business incorporated as William Hartley & Sons Limited in 1884, and in 1886, a new purpose-built factory opened in Aintree, Liverpool. The scale of operation had transformed from grocer's sideline to serious manufacturing enterprise. Hartley Village: A Victorian Model Community Sir William Hartley's business success enabled remarkable social enterprise. Two years after opening the Aintree factory, Hartley constructed a purpose-built village for key employees. The village, designed by Leek-based architects William Sugden and William Larner Sugden after winning an architectural competition, initially comprised 49 houses surrounding a central bowling green. Later expansion brought the total to 71 houses. In charming detail, all streets within the village were named after jam ingredients – Sugar Street, Red Currant Court, and Cherry Row among them. This attention to character reflected Hartley's genuine care for workers rather than mere commercial paternalism. Sir William's Christian faith informed his business ethics. He believed employers bore responsibility for workers' welfare beyond mere wages. This Victorian social conscience created lasting community infrastructure. Factory Expansion In 1901, a second factory opened in Bermondsey, South London, expanding production capacity and improving distribution to southern England. The company operated both Lancashire and London facilities for decades. During the 1960s, all production consolidated at a new facility in Histon, Cambridgeshire, where manufacturing continues today. The old Bermondsey factory, with its industrial heritage, was converted to residential apartments in 2003. Ownership Changes Hartley's ownership has evolved through multiple transactions reflecting food industry consolidation. The brand eventually became part of Premier Foods, the British food giant behind Mr Kipling, Bisto, and numerous other household names. In October 2012, Premier Foods sold Hartley's along with the Histon factory to Hain Celestial, an American organic and natural products company, for £200 million. The sale reflected Premier Foods' strategy of focusing on core ambient grocery brands. Today, Hartley's operates as a brand of Hain Daniels, Hain Celestial's UK subsidiary. American ownership hasn't changed British manufacturing – production remains at the Cambridgeshire facility. Understanding the Range Hartley's offers comprehensive fruit preserve coverage. Traditional Jams Classic jam varieties include British favourites: - Strawberry Jam – the quintessential preserve - Raspberry Jam – traditional seeds-and-all flavour - Blackcurrant Jam – distinctively British taste - Apricot Jam – Continental influence in British kitchens - Various fruit combinations and seasonal varieties These jams suit toast, scones, baking, and countless traditional applications. Marmalade Olde English Orange Marmalade continues the bitter citrus tradition beloved by British breakfast tables. Marmalade-making requires different skills from jam production – bitter Seville oranges, peel preparation, and balancing sweetness against citrus bite. Hartley's marmalade serves those preferring established brands over artisan alternatives. Jelly Products Hartley's offers both ready-to-eat and preparation-required jelly formats. Kids Jelly Pots Ready-to-eat jelly pots provide convenient sweet treats packed with real fruit juice. No preparation required – just open and enjoy. No added sugar options address parental concerns about children's sugar intake whilst maintaining fruit enjoyment. Ready-to-Make Jellies Traditional tablet jellies require dissolving in hot water, then chilling to set. This format appeals to those preferring to make jelly themselves, controlling portion sizes and adding fresh fruit. Sugar-free crystal jellies provide low-calorie alternatives for dietary management or reduced sugar preferences. Portion Packs Catering portion packs serve hospitality and foodservice alongside home use. Individual jam portions ensure freshness and convenient serving for breakfast buffets or packed lunches. Apple Sauce Apple sauce complements the preserve range, traditionally served with pork but versatile across numerous applications. Where to Buy Hartley's in the UK Hartley's enjoys broad UK distribution as an established national brand. Major Supermarkets Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons, and other major supermarkets stock Hartley's jam and jelly products. Range depth varies by store size – larger stores carry more varieties. Check supermarket jam and preserve aisles, plus ambient desserts sections for jelly products. B&M Stores B&M stocks Hartley's products at competitive prices. The discount retailer offers good value on established brands. Convenience Stores Co-op, Spar, and similar convenience retailers stock core Hartley's products. Jam and jelly basics appear even in smaller format stores. Online Retailers British Corner Shop and similar retailers provide Hartley's for expat customers and international shipping. Amazon UK offers convenience for home delivery. Wholesale Thomas Ridley and similar wholesalers supply catering packs for hospitality businesses requiring bulk quantities or portion packs. Price Positioning Hartley's occupies mainstream market positioning – established brand quality at competitive everyday prices. Pricing typically undercuts premium artisan preserves whilst exceeding budget own-brand alternatives. The value proposition offers brand reassurance and consistent quality at accessible pricing. Multi-buy promotions and larger jar sizes provide better value for regular users. Comparing prices across retailers identifies best current deals. Comparing Jam Brands Consumers choosing preserves encounter various options. Hartley's vs Bonne Maman Bonne Maman positions as premium French preserve with higher fruit content and distinctive gingham-lidded jars. Hartley's offers British heritage at more accessible pricing. Taste differences reflect both recipe and positioning. Premium shoppers may prefer Bonne Maman; value-focused buyers find Hartley's satisfactory. Hartley's vs Own-Brand Supermarket own-brand jams cost less than Hartley's. Quality varies – some own-brand preserves perform well whilst others compromise noticeably. Hartley's provides brand consistency across purchases. Those confident in their supermarket's own-brand may find acceptable alternatives at savings. Hartley's vs Artisan Local producers and specialist jam makers offer distinctive flavours and premium positioning. These typically cost significantly more whilst providing unique products unavailable from national brands. Hartley's serves everyday needs; artisan preserves suit special occasions or specific flavour requirements. Using Hartley's Products Traditional preserves serve numerous applications. Breakfast Applications Toast, crumpets, scones, and breakfast pastries benefit from quality jam. Marmalade transforms plain toast into proper British breakfast. Baking Jam provides cake filling, tart topping, and flavour addition to numerous baked goods. Victoria sponge, jam tarts, thumbprint cookies, and countless recipes rely on quality preserves. Economical jars suit baking where jam becomes ingredient rather than star attraction. Packed Lunches Individual portion packs or jam sandwiches made from larger jars serve school and work lunches. Simple, satisfying, traditional. Desserts Ready-to-eat jelly pots provide quick desserts. Made-from-packet jellies allow customisation with fresh fruit and creative presentation. Healthier Options Hartley's no added sugar jellies address dietary concerns whilst maintaining treat potential. Sugar-free crystals provide dessert options for those managing diabetes or following reduced-sugar diets. Kids' fruit juice jelly pots offer real fruit benefits alongside sweet treat enjoyment. British Food Heritage Hartley's represents distinctly British food heritage. Preserve Culture Britain's jam and marmalade traditions differ from Continental approaches. Proper preserves appear at afternoon tea, in Victoria sponges, and on toast throughout the day. Hartley's has contributed to this culture for over 150 years – genuine heritage rather than marketing construction. Industrial History The Hartley's story connects to broader British industrial history – Victorian entrepreneurship, worker welfare movements, and transformation from craft production to national distribution. Sites like Bermondsey's converted factory and the planned Hartley Village demonstrate industrial heritage worth remembering. Conclusion From Sir William Hartley's emergency jam batch in 1871 Lancashire to modern Cambridgeshire manufacturing, Hartley's represents continuous British preserve tradition. American ownership through Hain Celestial maintains British production whilst providing resources for continued operation. The brand serves consumers wanting established quality at everyday prices – neither premium aspiration nor budget compromise. Compare Hartley's prices across UK supermarkets through Grocefully and find the best deals on Britain's favourite jam and jelly brand.