Devon Cottage Fudge was started by myself, Richard Dennison, nearly 20 years ago. I still make the fudge myself, having learnt - sometimes the hard way - over those years.
The idea grew out of the belief and wish that I could make something myself and sell directly to a local population. The stall at the bottom of Castle Street where it joins High Street in Exeter, grew out of that idea and again is still occupied by myself on most occasions.
Some things do not change very quickly. The business is still a small cottage-style enterprise. I still use the same equipment that was purchased all those years ago second-hand: large copper pots, that must be very old, with a gas furnace for heat. The size of each batch remains at about 20kilos (it may originally have been 50lbs), and the fudge is stirred by hand. When it has reached the required temperature it is then beaten, also by hand, until it has cooled sufficiently for it to be placed in trays. It all amounts to a process which must not be hurried, and which needs vigilance and care all the way.
There is a strong ethical aspect which I try to maintain in my life as well as in my business. I enjoy working with and meeting people, and customers are treated with respect and care - I have mothers who buy fudge today for themselves, and their children, who came to me as children many years ago. It is marvellous to see the continuation in generations.
My regard for people and animals is what led me to choose the Soil Association's high standards, in organics and in animal welfare, and those of the Fairtrade Foundation, in its concern for small producers in third world countries.
Respect for all obviously includes the environment and I can now confirm that I use only 100% biodegradable packaging and also recycled materials wherever possible. The choice of organic ingredients is, I feel, the best environmental choice, being the product of a system of farming that returns to the land what is taken out. Furthermore, my fudge is totally additive- and GM-free, and always has been. Have a look at the fudge page to see just what goes into my fudge!
Since 1990 I think that my fudge has travelled to most countries in the world. It makes an ideal gift for someone wanting to take a local present back home from their travels, or for someone wanting something with a 'Devon flavour'.
Although the website has opened new doors, and made my fudge more widely accessible, I aim to keep the service as personal as possible.
