We are really proud to partner with AL Simpkin & Co Ltd as we both mark our centenaries this year.
Second Lieutenant Leslie Simpkin founded the company in 1921 after returning from World War 1. Leslie was injured at the Somme and was awarded the Military Cross for his service.
The idea for the boiled sweets came to Leslie while he was being treated for shrapnel injuries. He was given liquid glucose, which prompted him to think about boiling it instead.
AL Simpkin are world famous as the original manufacturer of gluten free travel sweets in tins, using only all-natural colours and flavours, but now those tins will proudly display the logo of the RBL in its centenary year.
Their sweets can be found in service stations, chemists and airport shops across the globe in the familiar iconic gold, circular tin.
They produce around five million sweets from their factory in Sheffield every single week.
Ben France, Head of Corporate Partnerships at the RBL, said:
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with AL Simpkin, a family company with a proud history of military service, and are very grateful for their generous pledge of donations from sales of their market-leading mixed fruit drop travel sweets.
“This is a wonderful way to mark our centenary and raise vital funds to provide life-long support to serving and ex-serving members of the British Armed Forces, their families and dependents through hardships, injuries and bereavements.
“As we both mark our 100th anniversaries, we are delighted to be able to launch this new partnership.”
