Allergen-free expansion for Castle Kitchens

Gourmet food manufacturer Castle Kitchens has unveiled plans to open what it claims is Europe’s first allergen-free plant at Washington, West Sussex, next year.

The company’s existing plant in Washington, which supplies retailers, caterers and commercial and private aviation customers with premium chilled soups, salads, desserts pastries, ready meals, kosher, vegetarian, vegan and allergen-free lines, was “bursting at the seams”, said md Jan Sheward.

Assuming planning permission is granted, the new 6,503 metres squared restricted diet plant will be sited next to the company’s existing facility, and should be up and running within 10 months, said Sheward.

The factory will exclude 14 allergens including lactose, gluten and nuts, and will make products such as old fashioned rice puddings plus a range of other products for customers with special dietary requirements under the Castle Farms Estate brand.

However, the company will be able to supply Waitrose with key lines by January 2006 from a 464 metres squared temporary facility, said Sheward, who also runs a food safety training and auditing business.

She added: “We want Castle Farms Estate to become the equivalent of Duchy Originals for customers with special dietary requirements. We are also talking to an athlete about endorsing the brand.”

The new plant will include a tutorial unit enabling the company to expand its training activities, she said.

Castle Kitchens products have been stocked in selected Waitrose stores since late 2003 and are available through its party food to order service, deli counters and coffee shops.