Sweet taste of success for York chocolate maker

A family artisan chocolate business is planning further expansion after securing a grant from The LEP. The £10,000 grant has been used as part of a wider investment by York-based Choc-Affair to invest in new manufacturing premises. 

Innovating new products 

Choc-Affair, which designs and manufactures a range of handmade Fairtrade chocolate products, was established by Linda Barrie in 2006 when she created a hot chocolate drink at home for her two daughters, both with milk intolerances. Following this product development and investment in the business, Choc-Affair grew to boast 16 staff but needed more suitable accommodation to further its product range. 

Working with luxury retailers

Supported by the LEP grant, the company has moved to a 2,000 sq ft purpose-built headquarters at Yorvale Business Park from which Choc-Affair supplies prestigious retailers including Harrods and Fenwick as well as supermarket brands including Booths. 

Roger Marsh, Chair of the LEP said: “York has a rich heritage in the art of chocolate making and it is fantastic to see an entrepreneur turning her vision into a healthy business. 

“The LEP is pleased to have provided the company with a LEP grant to facilitate the move into state-of-the-art new premises as well as creating two new jobs in the region.” 

Future growth wrapped up

Looking ahead, Mrs Barrie said Choc-Affair was planning to double revenues and launch more products. 

Linda Barrie, founder of Choc-Affair, said: “Moving to new premises within the York area has enabled the business to have a much leaner manufacturing process, which in turn has facilitated greater efficiency, increased productivity and helped us to increase our product range. 

“The LEP has been invaluable to help take Choc-Affair to the next level and we are extremely excited about the future of the company.”