Shetland social enterprise grows to meet green demand
A social enterprise in Lerwick is putting the finishing touches on a major expansion project.
An Argyll based chocolate manufacturer is investing in new equipment to quadruple its capacity, increase turnover and create employment.
Campbeltown based Fetcha Chocolates Limited has secured a £6,311 contribution from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) towards the total project costs of £9,016.
It includes installation of new chocolate manufacturing equipment, including a state-of-the-art tempering and moulding system that enables greater quantities of chocolate to be melted and shaped.
Owned by experienced chocolatier Fiona McArthur, Fetcha produces a range of handmade luxury vegan gluten free, soy free chocolates in plastic free packaging.
Products are sold to wholesalers and to members of the public in a store in Campbeltown and through the company website.
Demand for Fetcha products increased after the company supplied chocolates for goody bags given to celebrities at the Oscars in 2024. The new equipment will scale up production to help meet this demand.
Fiona already employs one part time worker and through the expansion plans to create at least one more full-time post focusing on manufacturing and packaging.
Morag Goodfellow, HIE’s area manager for Argyll and the Islands, said:
“The food and drink sector is a crucial part of the Argyll and the Islands economy and seeing new companies like Fetcha Chocolates start up and grow is very encouraging. The company shows great promise for the Kintyre economy and it’s great to see demand for its products increase. I’m delighted we’ve been able to support this expansion project, which will help meet the growing demand, boost the local economy and secure employment.”
Fiona McArthur, Fetcha’s founder and chocolatier said:
“The support I received from HIE has helped considerably and we have already seen sales grow upwards of 400% as a result of our increased production ability.”
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