Kirsty’s, the Yorkshire based ‘free-from’ food brand, has invested £2million in a new factory that aims to help the brand achieve its target of doubling the size of the business within three years.
The new factory, located in Harrogate, will give Kirsty’s the capability to produce 20 million ready meals per year as well as scope to play in other categories such as soups, pies and sauces.
The allergen-free site will also enable the brand to move away from co-manufacturers. Kirsty Henshaw, managing director, said: “From the very first day I started the business I have always wanted to own my own factory, it was a goal that I always wanted to achieve.
“The fact that we will have the capability to produce 20 million free-from ready meals a year and be able to explore new product development like never before is something that excites me and everyone working for the brand.”
“Up until now we have worked with hand-picked manufacturers and whilst this has given the brand security and an easier route to market over the years it didn’t give me the flexibility and control over my own destiny that I’ve always craved.
“Now the factory is up and running I’m looking forward to this new chapter in Kirsty’s history. The fact that we will have the capability to produce 20 million free-from ready meals a year and be able to explore new product development like never before is something that excites me and everyone working for the brand.
“We’re looking forward to sharing what the new factory will bring to the brand. New product development has always been a passion of mine and I’m sure that our customers won’t have to wait long before seeing new and exciting free-from products hitting the shelves.”
Her business started ten years ago following Kirsty, the founder’s, long search for free from food options that her son would be able to enjoy, after discovering he had several allergies. Kirsty then went on to enter Dragon’s Den in 2010 and worked with Peter Jones and Duncan Bannatyne for the following three years.
