Matthew Walker
Matthew Walker are pudding specialists in Derbyshire, who have been producing puddings for 125 years this year!
Matthew Walker started in the 1880s. a local farmers son starts producing and selling Christmas puddings and jams based on his mother’s recipes. In 1899 Matthew Walker became a registered company based in Derby & continued to grow throughout 20th Century. In 1967 the production of Christmas puddings, mincemeat & preserves moved to our current site in Heanor. It has grown from then on producing Christmas puddings, fruit cakes and tinned mince pies, until 1992, when the site focused solely on Christmas puddings. In 2001 we started making steamed sponge puddings.
Now we produce a massive variety of steamed Christmas puddings, sponges to unique and different recipes including vegan and free from, and they export as far away as Australia.
Featured Products
Classic Christmas Pudding
Alcohol Free Christmas Pudding
Gluten Free Christmas Pudding
Luxury Christmas Pudding
Classic Christmas Pudding
Alcohol Free Christmas Pudding
Gluten Free Christmas Pudding
Luxury Christmas Pudding
Classic Christmas Pudding
Alcohol Free Christmas Pudding
Gluten Free Christmas Pudding
Luxury Christmas Pudding
Our History
1880s: Early days
In his teens, Matthew Walker works as a live-in assistant at Hodgkinson’s Grocery in Derby Market Place. He begins to supply the shop with his own produce, such as fresh fruit, jams, and country-style wines. His entrepreneurial spirit leads to the shop selling these products successfully.
1899: Formation of Matthew Walker Brand
At age 29, Matthew Walker enters into a business partnership with Thomas Hodgkinson, establishing M. Walker & Co. This year is later recognized as the official foundation of the Matthew Walker brand, marking the beginning of his journey in the retail and manufacturing world.
1904: Independance
The partnership with Thomas Hodgkinson is dissolved, and Matthew Walker begins to operate his business independently. This marks a pivotal moment in his career, as he begins to focus on expanding his product range, including the famous Christmas pudding.
1920s: Expansion and Establishment
By this time, Matthew Walker has moved to Abbey House in Darley Dale, a significant step that reflects his success. His business continues to grow, with a focus on producing Christmas puddings using his mother’s traditional recipes. He becomes a prominent figure in the community, known for his charitable contributions and patriotic spirit.
1944
Matthew Walker dies on July 11th at the age of 74. At the time of his death, his business is producing 125,000 Christmas puddings annually, establishing his legacy as the "Pudding King." His influence and contributions to the community are remembered fondly.
1944-1986: Continuation by John Walwyn Walker
After Matthew's death, his son, John Walwyn Walker, takes over the business. Under John’s leadership, the company continues to grow, maintaining its reputation for quality and tradition. The Matthew Walker business is then sold in 1967, and the company headquarters are moved from Derby to new purpose-built premises in Heanor. This relocation marks a new chapter in the company’s history, while still retaining the traditional values established by Matthew Walker.
Present Day: Matthew Walker Brand Today
Now owned by Valeo Foods UK, the Matthew Walker brand remains the world’s oldest Christmas pudding maker. The company produces around 25 million Christmas puddings each year, with a wide range of products that still adhere to the traditional recipes and standards set by its founder over a century ago. The brand continues to embody the legacy of Matthew Walker, the son of a Derbyshire farmer who became a household name in the world of festive desserts.
