Six-figure funding deal proves appetising for gluten free food business
The Gluten Free Kitchen, has trebled the size of its business after completing a successful move to new premises at Leyburn Business Park in Leyburn, North Yorkshire.
The increase in space at the 3,000 sq ft unit has led to sales almost doubling, enabling the team at The Gluten Free Kitchen to meet rising demand for its range of sweet and savoury gluten free, wheat free, soya free, dairy free, and egg free food.
The Gluten Free Kitchen received investment from FW Capital through the first Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund in 2023 and is now seeing its plans come to fruition.
The funding allowed the business to relocate after it outgrew its previous site.
Its new base includes kitchen and warehouse facilities. The funding has also supported an expansion of the team and development of new product ranges including products made exclusively for Ocado.
It has also assisted with redevelopment of The Gluten Free Kitchen website making it easier for customers to place their online orders.
Sue Fleming, director at The Gluten Free Kitchen, said: “We’d never have done the move without FW Capital and we’re happy to be in our new premises.
“Our previous site was fit to burst, and we just didn’t have the space to meet increased demand and expand our ranges of treats.
“We’ve nearly doubled sales since we’ve relocated and brought in new people to support our kitchen and warehouse activities.
“Next year we’re hoping to further expand the team. We’re now in the midst of the Christmas run-up and excited to launch a fantastic new Christmas Pudding using a great recipe. We’re also going great guns with Ocado which is fantastic.”
Lindsey McMenamin, portfolio manager at FW Capital, added: “I’m thrilled with the success that Sue and the team at The Gluten Free Kitchen are enjoying, and it is great to see the impact funding for growth can have. Its super to catch up with Sue and see all the exciting developments.
“It’s a busy time for the team in the run up to Christmas with the demand for ‘free from’ products increasing, and this new facility is allowing them to take full advantage of that.”
The Gluten Free Kitchen was established in 2005 by Fleming after she saw the challenges faced by people with coeliac disease when sourcing good quality food that is free from gluten.
She began to experiment with a series of recipes and created dishes which are today available from her company’s online store.
A selection of products are also available in a number of Waitrose Stores, online at Ocado, as well as independent outlets and farm shops throughout the UK. The product range includes “free from” cakes, puddings, and savoury pies.
The funding was from NPIF – FW Capital Debt Finance, which was managed by FW Capital and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.
