A Cornish artisan chocolate maker is launching a crowdfunding campaign for a factory expansion.
Chocolarder, based in Ponsanooth, near Falmouth, is a bean-to-bar producer making chocolate from start to finish.
Currently, Chocolarder is just one man in a cold concrete production space in a Cornish valley, but it’s hoped the crowdfunding campaign will raise the £30k required to equip a new factory to keep pace with growing markets.
The money raised will also help founder Mike Longman to refurbish an antique Victorian cacao roaster to accommodate the increasing demand for fine quality, ethically-produced chocolate.
Once complete, the new facility will be a real destination for chocolate lovers, hosting a café and space for chocolate workshops and events.
Longman founded Chocolarder in 2012 and since then has won acclaim and a loyal fan base for his premium chocolate range with unique ingredients ranging from sea buckthorn to wild gorse plus gold, frankincense and myrrh. Chocolarder currently supplies selected farm shops and delicatessens across the West Country as well as high-end retailers Harrods and Fortnum and Mason.
He said: “This next chapter is a giant step for Chocolarder. My intention was to create a product based on the principles that have always been at the heart of great food – unadulterated enjoyment without compromise.
“We are genuinely thrilled to be able to open up the workshop so that people can see and feel a part of the amazing work we are doing, by bringing chocolate-making back to an artisan level and bringing about a revolution in its production.”
The project will only be funded if at least £30k is pledged by 12pm, April 14.
For full details and to make a pledge, click here.
