Tony’s is a Dutch chocolatier with the defining principle of putting an end to modern slavery and illegal child labour on cocoa farms in West Africa.
With its ‘5 Sourcing Principles’, its aim is to show that it is possible to make delicious chocolate and be a successful chocolate brand without exploiting cocoa farmers at the start of the supply chain.
Precision Proco will be supporting Tony’s by executing personalised orders in the UK. Online Tony’s customers can customise packaging designs, add recipient names, and upload photos to be printed on their bespoke Tony’s wrapper.
Prior to its partnership with Precision Proco, Amsterdam-based Tony’s worked with a print company in the Netherlands to fulfil UK orders. However, it decided to change provider for UK distribution following significant cost increases and delivery challenges created by Brexit.
Tony’s was keen to maintain its use of HP Indigo technology when searching for a new UK-based provider, having already relied on the technology for several years.
“Precision Proco are experts at what they do and can provide us with a complete print and fulfilment solution – from high-quality personalised wrappers and packaging, to understanding our choco fans better,” said Ben Greensmith, UK country manager of Tony’s Chocolonely.
“This reduces complexity and costs, which enables us to give our choco fans the very best experience whilst maximising positive impact.”
Precision Proco will use its fleet of Indigo printers to deliver the high-quality personalised and sustainable wrappers for Tony’s, including the Indigo 10000 and Indigo 12000 Digital Presses. The business will make use of technology such as HP SiteFlow to deliver thousands of personalised bars every day to individuals and businesses across the UK.
HP, Precision Proco and Tony's sent a sample of the personalised pack to Printweek
Jon Tolley, chief innovation officer at Precision Proco, added: “Thanks to a global collaboration between HP Indigo users, this exciting project has been brought to life in the UK.
“HP’s expertise in delivering personalisation technology gave us the quality and speed of production we needed to take on the contract. The collaboration with HP Indigo allows us to offer our client innovation and efficiency in all areas from concept to production.
“Tony’s is an amazing brand and we aim to help them get their message out in the UK with a little personalisation powered by HP Indigo technology – and occasional tasting of some fantastic chocolate along the way!”
Precision Proco said its use of Indigo technology will also provide “an end-to-end sustainable packaging solution” for Tony’s. The technology will ensure that printing is always delivered on demand and via digital technology, reducing waste by ensuring Precision Proco only prints what is needed.
Peter Jolly, HP Indigo country manager for UK & Ireland, also commented: “It’s been wonderful to witness this exciting new partnership between PPG and Tony’s Chocolonely.
“We are pleased that Tony’s is continuing its journey with HP Indigo – we know a key reason for this is that our technology allows the company to reduce its carbon footprint through leveraging end-to-end sustainable packaging solutions.”
Precision Proco is part of the Precision Proco Group (PPG). The business was formed through the merger of Precision Printing, Proco and Prime Group two years ago, which was followed by the acquisition of fine art specialist WKG.
Just over a year ago the business acquired Photobox’s production hub, and the trade finishing wing of Cliftons Bookbinders.
The business offers trade printing services via its Where The Trade Buys (WTTB) operation and a variety of automated, on-demand marketing production services for leading brands through Precision Proco.
It operates across four sites – Sheffield, Sunderland and two in London – having already consolidated the former Prime site in South Normanton into its existing facilities.
The group recently made some directorship changes as it moves towards establishing a single group board.
