Bryant & May

Founded in 1843 as a Quaker-run partnership between William Bryant and Francis May, Bryant & May became one of Britain’s most historically significant match brands,  the East London factory where the matches were produced was the site of the 1888 Matchgirls’ Strike, a landmark moment in UK labour history. Today the brand sits under Republic Technologies (the same group behind Swan and OCB) and remains a staple safety-match line in UK and Irish grocery and convenience retail. Newvend stocks Bryant & May wholesale for Irish retailers alongside the wider Papers & Accessories and Tobacco/Cigars categories.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What products does Bryant & May make?

Bryant & May is best known for its safety matches, including the standard household box, Extra Long matches for hobs and candles, and Cook’s Matches. The range covers general-purpose lighting use and sits within the wider matches and lighters segment of the tobacco accessories category.

How long has Bryant & May been trading?

Bryant & May was founded in 1843 by two Quakers, William Bryant and Francis May, initially importing Swedish safety matches before opening their own factory in Bow, East London in 1861. That gives the brand more than 180 years of continuous UK trading history.

Who owns Bryant & May today?

Bryant & May is now part of Republic Technologies, the same group behind other well-known smoking accessory brands including Swan and OCB. That makes Republic Technologies one of the largest suppliers to the UK and Irish papers and matches segment.

Which retailers typically stock Bryant & May?

Bryant & May is a staple grocery and convenience match brand, commonly stocked alongside Swan Vestas, Cara safety matches and lighters like Clipper on the tobacco gantry. Newvend supplies Bryant & May wholesale to Irish trade customers as part of the wider Papers & Accessories range.