‘Free from’ brand investment
Reading-based Moo Free Limited, a manufacturer of dairy free and gluten free chocolate, is to invest in new machinery and increase staff by 20 per cent after securing £530,000 in funding from Santander Corporate & Commercial.
The family business has seen strong demand for its specialist products from its primarily dairy-intolerant consumer base, and is looking to invest for future growth.
Moo Free was set up at the end of 2010 by Andrea Jessop, a mother whose son could never have a ‘normal’ Easter egg due to his dairy intolerance. Andrea and her husband Mike have invested all their time and money in producing ‘free from’ chocolate for people with allergies and intolerances.
The funding from Santander Corporate & Commercial will allow Moo Free to invest in new manufacturing machinery and increase staff by 20 per cent to cater for increased demand. The business currently has contracts with Holland & Barrett, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose, and now exports to Australia, New Zealand and Spain.
Andrea Jessop, owner, Moo Free Chocolates, says: “We are incredibly excited by the success of our business – I never thought it would develop into the mainstream business it has become, with a top tier list of retailer clients. We are delighted to be able to invest in new machinery and increase staff levels, as this is a tangible indication of the fast growth of Moo Free. The business has gone from strength to strength and we are confident that, with the funding provided by Santander, we will be able to reach new markets.”
Michael Burroughs, relationship director, Santander Corporate & Commercial, says: “Santander is thrilled to be able to support family businesses such as Moo Free. After identifying an opportunity in the market, Andrea has built up a dynamic business that has enjoyed strong growth and its customer base and international expansion is testament to its success. We have enjoyed working with Andrea and the team and we look forward to supporting the future growth of this great business, both in the UK and globally.”
