A family owned chocolate and fudge producer is planning to double production and employee numbers with support from HSBC Commercial Bank.

County Confectionery is extending its UK based kitchens and adding a second fudge production line to meet strong levels of customer demand.

The expansion will give the company the capacity to double fudge production at its kitchens in St Ives, Cornwall where it currently employs 56 people. A further 26 jobs will be created as a result of the expansion, which forms part of the company’s plans to double turnover.

County Confectionery is also seeking to grow exports to around a quarter of turnover, up from 16% presently. It currently sells its products into Canada, Australia, the Middle East and the Far East.