The company, founded by husband-and-wife team Chris and Stephanie Crutchley in 2014, has just signed an exclusive distribution deal with health foods wholesaler Tree of Life (ToL). The company said it expected this partnership to result in “rapid sales growth” as the Enjoy brand profile would be enhanced in national grocers and independent retailers.
Tax reliefs
It also said that the £640k Growthdeck fundraiser was expected to qualify for tax relief, available under the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS). This meant investors could claim 30% income tax relief and realise any profits free from capital gains tax after three years.
The founders have also revealed they are investing c£140k in the business on the same terms as new investors, to demonstrate their belief in the Enjoy concept.
Meanwhile, Tyrone Hull, an experienced chocolatier who has worked with Gordon Ramsay and run his own handmade confectionery business, recently joined the company. He is responsible for new product development and production at its Hampshire factory.
Sales growth
Chris Crutchley, founder of Enjoy, said: “This is a very exciting time for Enjoy. Our new partnership with Tree of Life puts us in a great position to achieve strong sales growth.”
Simon Emary, CEO at Growthdeck, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to bring Enjoy to our network members. The US has seen the craft chocolate phenomenon follow the craft beer trajectory and we’re starting to see this in the UK.”
The Enjoy range includes nine different flavoured bars, boxed chocolates and a hot chocolate drink mix. Further additions to the range are planned to include fudge, wafer thins, truffles and brownies.
Enjoy chocolate is made from raw cacao beans and is naturally sweetened with coconut blossom sugar.