Fisherman's Friend
WebsiteFisherman's Friend is a brand of strong menthol lozenges made by Lofthouse of Fleetwood, a family business in the port town of Fleetwood in Lancashire. In 1865 the pharmacist James Lofthouse mixed liquorice, eucalyptus and menthol for deep-sea fishermen with sore throats, first as a liquid and soon as a lozenge. The company says it is now run by the fifth generation of the family.
Facts from the company
- The lozenges are still produced in Fleetwood, in a factory the company has expanded several times since 1972
- Exports began in 1974 with shipments to Belgium, then Norway, the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden and Germany (1977)
- In 1979 Lofthouse launched what it describes as the first sugar-free mint lozenge on the market
- The company states it makes more than five billion lozenges a year
Range
The original follows the old mixture of liquorice, eucalyptus and menthol. Over the years aniseed, spearmint and further flavours were added, and a sugar-free range exists. The taste is deliberately strong, which suits some buyers and not others.