Investment

Belfast sweets maker and chocolatier invests $396k in expanding production facility and shop

By Douglas Yu

- Last updated on GMT

Aunt Sandra has been supplying sweets and chocolate since1953. Pic: Aunt Sandra
Aunt Sandra has been supplying sweets and chocolate since1953. Pic: Aunt Sandra

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Aunt Sandra has invested over £300,000 ($396k) in purchasing and renovating a new purpose-built production facility and shop, occupying five previously abandoned business units on the Castlereagh Road in Belfast, UK.

The confectioner, which has been supplying a range of sweets and chocolate for both consumer and trade since 1953, said the investment will help create a further six jobs, including a mix of retail, supervisory and skilled confectionery production roles.

The new premises include a modern shop front, coffee house and private hire area for functions, cooperate events and shows.

‘New chapter’ for business

The expansion marks a ‘new chapter for the family-owned business as it is increasing its production capacity to meet the growing demand or its handmade confectionery,’​ said Aunt Sandra.

To meet such demand, the company has bought four additional boilers and developed a dedicated area for increasing honeycomb production – a product co-owner Jim Moore said has seen “huge resurgence”​ in recent years.

“Honeycomb has long accompanied ice cream. Throughout our 60-year history, we have manufactured and supplied wholesale honeycomb to the ice cream industry,”​ he said.

“In recent years, the surge in popularity for gin and gin-based drinks has also contributed to huge growth in honeycomb production, which is why this is an area of the business we’re focused on developing further.”

Entering Republic of Ireland

Moore added Aunt Sandra is also entering the Republic of Ireland (ROI) market in the near future as it continues to work with a number of producers, including Morelli, Glastry Farm, Riada and Draynes.

“The next chapter for Aunt Sandra focuses on growing the manufacturing and wholesale side of the business, but we will continue to share a little taste of tradition, nostalgia and fun, all things which have played an important part in the Aunt Sandra’s story so far,”​ he said.

Related topics Manufacturers Chocolate Candy