Celebrating International Men’s Day: Honouring Tradition and Talent

Today is #InternationalMensDay, a day to recognise the positive impact men make in our communities and workplaces.

At Billington’s Gingerbread, this celebration feels especially meaningful because our story is deeply rooted in the dedication of generations of craftsmen who have kept a treasured tradition alive for over 200 years.

Our journey began in 1817, when Mr Thomas baked gingerbread in the basement of his Market Drayton shop. His closely guarded recipe was passed down through family ties before reaching Richard Billington in 1864 – and so the famous Billington’s Gingerbread brand was born. From the spice trade routes that first brought ginger to Shropshire to the ingenuity of bakers who preserved the recipe through centuries of change, this heritage is a testament to skill and perseverance.

Fast forward to today, and that same spirit lives on in our team. This year, we’re shining a spotlight on John, who has been part of the Image On Food family – home of Billington’s Gingerbread – for 10 incredible years. Earlier this year, John received a long service award for his commitment and hard work, and rightly so: he is one of the select few entrusted with our secret recipe.

John is the man behind every single batch of our iconic biscuits – mixing, rolling, cutting, baking, and wrapping with care and precision. His craftsmanship ensures that every piece of gingerbread carries the same quality and flavour that has delighted generations.

So today, we say a heartfelt thank you, John, for your dedication and skill. You are part of a legacy that began over two centuries ago, and your work keeps that story alive.

Here’s to John, and to all the men who make a difference every day.