ONE of Scotland’s leading chocolatiers has launched a £30,000 crowdfunding campaign to help build a new chocolate factory.

The Chocolate Tree, with outlets in Edinburgh and Haddington, has experienced significant growth over the past few years and now it needs to move into larger premises big enough for a chocolate factory.

The crowdfunding campaign launched on Indiegogo will appeal to chocolate fans with contributors being rewarded with exclusive benefits, from a golden ticket tour of the new factory to an all-you-can-eat reservation at the cafe, or even a chocolate masterclass.

The business has outgrown its existing premises in Haddington and, with the support of the crowd-funding campaign and the couple behind the firm, Ali and Friederike Gower, plans to develop an idyllic East Lothian building into the new chocolate factory.

The former Knowes Farm Shop just outside East Linton is a traditional rural building with an existing open-plan interior. The move will allow Chocolate Tree to continue making the chocolate for which it has become famous, as well as offering weekend workshops and tours.

Sustainable and directly traded cacao sourcing is at the heart of the business and Chocolate Tree is unique in Scotland in that it makes its own chocolate from bean to bar.

Co-founder Alastair Gower said: “Since we started Chocolate Tree, it’s been crucial to us that we develop the business along our own ethical ideals – uniquely in Scotland creating bean to bar chocolate and working closely with cacao producers to ensure that production is both ethical and sustainable.

“This ethos and above all, the quality of our chocolate, is something that is valued by our customers. Our move to expand is recognition that demand for our products is growing.

This is a long-term investment into the future of Chocolate Tree that will also enable a much-loved East Lothian building to continue being used as an artisan food business.

“By contributing to our campaign you are investing in more than just better chocolate. As well as directly contributing to the local community by offering a unique workplace for eighteen staff members, the cacao we buy has a hugely positive social and environmental impact. We pay farmers a premium price, which means they continue to grow cacao, which has a big positive impact on biodiversity in some of the areas of the world most affected by climate change.”

The funding will contribute to investment in the building’s interior and new equipment with the cost of the project estimated to be closer to £80,000 than £30,000. The crowdfunding appeal ends on Easter Sunday, April 16.

Ali and Friederike Gower launched Chocolate Tree in 2005, with the aim of creating luxury chocolate that was not only delicious but ethical and organic. They have since won a host of top awards.

Ali added: “We want to show people that by taking the right approach to chocolate they can be healthy and happy. There are some big health problems in Scotland and I think it’s important to differentiate between consuming small amounts of quality chocolate and lots of cheap confectionary.

“I’d urge people to get involved. We have some fantastic ‘perks’ on offer for contributors such as a year’s chocolate subscription, or golden tickets for the first people to come on a tour.”