That takes the biscuit! 200-year-old gingerbread recipe relaunched in Market Drayton

Billington’s Gingerbread, which dates back to 1817, was made in Market Drayton until 2004 when it was relocated to Yorkshire by the McCarthy family.

Billington’s original recipe has been passed down from baker to baker and has always been kept a closely-guarded secret.

But now Image on Food, which is based on the Burnside business park, Market Drayton, has relaunched under licence, the heritage gingerbread biscuit brand.

Billington’s Gingerbread relaunched with a brand new packaging design on Wednesday under the Buttercross in Cheshire Street.

The Billington’s team were dressed in traditional costume to emulate a traditional 19th century market scene, in commemoration of their bicentennial anniversary year, and also hosted a gingerbread and port tasting event with Tanners Wine Merchants on the day.

Also present was the current artisan baker, Tim Hopcroft, the previous baker and owner of Billington’s Gingerbread, Terry McCarthy, and the baker who preceded him, John Hayward-Hughes.

Previously handmade, the gingerbread is now being baked and manufactured at the Image on Food headquarters by Mr Hopcroft, combining traditional skills with the most up-to-date baking equipment.

Remarking on the re-launch of Billington’s Gingerbread, Mr Hopcroft said: "We are delighted to now be manufacturing Billington’s Gingerbread for sale in Market Drayton and the surrounding areas.

"Using the handed down secret Billington’s Gingerbread recipe, we have developed the method for manufacturing in our modern bakery, to create a biscuit which is consistent to the original product whilst also being recognisable to its fan base. We hope that it will be enjoyed locally as well as nationally in due course."

Image on Food Ltd has been producing hand crafted gingerbread novelties for over 30 years.

The company makes over 50 tonnes of gingerbread a year, employs over 50 local staff and provides novelties for companies such as Waitrose, John Lewis, The National Trust as well as coffee shops, farm shops, delicatessens and tourist attractions.