Moo Free, the dairy-free chocolate manufacturer, has opened a second, larger factory opposite its current site in Holsworthy, Devon. Having a space of more than 130 m2, the factory will allow the vegan confectionary maker to radically increase the number of bars it produces.

The second factory will also allow Moo Free to ship its chocolate more quickly to its customers, which are located in more than 30 countries worldwide. A dedicated new product development room will also be installed at the new factory, with plans to create new chocolate products for the vegan and free-from markets.

“Thanks to the loyalty of our customers and our exceptional staff, Moo Free has grown quicker than we could have imagined. We’ve been manufacturing in Devon for just three years and we already have to open a second factory,” said Mike Jessop, Sales and Marketing Director at Moo Free.

Since 2010 when it first started manufacturing premium milk chocolate alternatives, Moo Free has grown rapidly due to year on year increased demand for its vegan and organic chocolates, which are also free from milk, lactose, wheat, gluten and soya. The company’s first factory was then opened in June 2014 in Holsworthy.

So far, this year has seen a number of investments made by food and drink manufacturers into expanding their premises. Portsmouth based sauces and soups manufacturer Quattro Foods is to create 18 new jobs, following an investment of more than £300,000 in a new site, while cheese supplier Dairygold Food Ingredients, acquired an ambient storage site and office space in a deal worth £1.2 million.

Meanwhile, in March, ABP Food Group’s renewables division Olleco has announced the acquisition of an anaerobic digestion facility at Wescott Park, Buckinghamshire, from waste to product business Renewi, for an undisclosed purchase price.

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