Social Media Users Discover Percy Pig Manufacturer
Viral attention reveals that the popular Marks & Spencer candies are produced in Germany by the company Katjes.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Desserts
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Social media users recently identified the German confectionery company Katjes as the manufacturer behind the iconic Marks & Spencer Percy Pig sweets. The revelation sparked widespread surprise among fans of the candy brand, which has been sold by the retailer since 1992.
Why it matters
The discovery highlights the complex global supply chains behind beloved retail brands, where signature products are often produced under license by specialized external manufacturers. This transparency regarding product origin provides consumers with a clearer understanding of their favorite items.
Marks & Spencer sells over 18 million bags of Percy Pig sweets annually, equating to a rate of 36 packets sold per minute. Product labeling located on the back of the packaging under the barcode confirms that the candy is manufactured in Germany.
The players
Marks & Spencer
This major British retailer owns the trademark for the Percy Pig brand and has sold the sweets since 1992.
Katjes
This German company manufactures Percy Pig sweets under license and produces a variety of other candy products for European markets.
The details
While Marks & Spencer maintains the trademark for the Percy Pig character and brand, Katjes produces the sweets in Germany using a unique recipe developed specifically for the retailer. Katjes also manufactures other candy products for the European market, such as Fred Ferkel, and the Candy Kittens brand in the UK.
Timeline
Percy Pig sweets first appeared in Marks & Spencer stores in 1992.
Social media users expressed surprise regarding the manufacturing origin in October 2026.
Culture Shift
This revelation illustrates the broader shift toward increased consumer scrutiny regarding the origin of mass-market food products. It highlights the growing trend of shoppers using social media to investigate the underlying supply chains of popular retail brands.
Consumers who regularly purchase these sweets will notice no change in the product availability or pricing due to this information. The findings serve primarily to clarify the production logistics for those interested in the supply chain of common household snacks.
The takeaway
Understanding the source of your favorite snacks can change your perception of international product distribution and branding. Fans of the sweets can continue to enjoy their preferred treats knowing that the quality is maintained through a specific licensing agreement.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest trends in sweets and confectionery on our Desserts page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Metro.
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Does learning a brand uses a third-party manufacturer change how you trust the quality of goods?
