Housed in a purpose-built unit, allowing for controlled climate and humidity, the chocolatier can now offer coatings for fudge, fruits, nuts and sugar confectionery for bulk supply or inclusions. Coatings include milk chocolate, plain chocolate, yoghurt and souring.
The investment in new technology and production equipment will also allow the company to meet rising demand for niche products, including protein foods, vegan marshmallows and dairy-free products.
‘Direct impact on company performance’
Sweetdreams owner and director Matt Stephenson said: “We introduced panning and coating as a new business-to-business service in January 2018 and it has already had a direct impact on our company performance.
“Our in-house team of experts work alongside clients to enable them to expand their product ranges and meet customer demand for new and unusual tastes and textures, as well as delivering traditional innovation and service for all their coating and panning needs.”
The investment was a mix of company cash flow – more than half of the amount – and a small loan, with asset finance available when needed, said Sweetdreams.
The manufacturer expected the return on investment to be just over two years, based on growth already gained by the company and the projects and strategies it has in place.
Meanwhile, artisan chocolates are boosting UK exports, as foreign customers bought more than £680m of the confectionery last year, according to the government.