A 40-year-old British fudge maker is proving that even the most traditional businesses can harness AI's power. Matthew Pugh's family-run Roly's Fudge is using Google Workspace with Gemini to develop new flavors and research ingredients, showcasing how small businesses across the UK are gaining competitive advantages through practical AI adoption.
A century-old fudge recipe meets cutting-edge AI in what might be the sweetest tech adoption story of the year. Matthew Pugh, owner of Roly's Fudge Dartmouth, is using Google Workspace with Gemini to transform how his 40-shop chain develops new products while preserving the handmade traditions that built his business.
The story emerges as Google launches its '10 Stories' campaign, spotlighting British small businesses that are leveraging AI to solve real challenges. According to research from Public First cited in Google's blog post, AI has the potential to boost average small business productivity by 20% - effectively giving owners an extra day each working week.
"For a brand so deeply rooted in tradition, embracing AI might seem unexpected, but it's the ultimate secret ingredient for brainstorming," Pugh explains in the Google case study. His shops still use the same copper cauldron methods pioneered decades ago, but now Gemini helps accelerate the research phase of product development.
The practical applications are surprisingly sophisticated for a traditional confectionery business. When developing sugar-free fudge recipes, Pugh uses Gemini to research alternative ingredients that preserve taste, texture, and shelf life - work that would have taken weeks of manual research just years ago. "Using the Gemini app, we blend the old with the new, doing research faster and in seconds getting inspiration for alternative recipes," he told Google.
This represents a broader shift happening across British small businesses. While tech giants dominate AI headlines, companies like Roly's Fudge are quietly integrating these tools into everyday operations. The confectionery chain's approach - using AI for creative research while maintaining hands-on craftsmanship - offers a template for traditional industries navigating digital transformation.
