Cornish Confectioner Buttermilk Embarks on Major Expansion with £852k Investment

In a significant boost to the Cornish economy and the sustainable food industry, Buttermilk, a leading plant-powered chocolate producer based in Bodmin, has secured an £852,573 investment from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth programme. This investment marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey towards expansion and sustainability.

Founded in 1964 as a traditional fudge shop in Padstow, Buttermilk has evolved over the decades into an innovative confectionery brand. Under the leadership of David and Tracy Goad, who acquired the business in 2010, Buttermilk transformed into a year-round employer and launched a successful range of dairy-free chocolate bars. These products have not only captured the UK market but have also begun to make waves internationally, with a remarkable sales growth of 225%.

The investment will fund a £930,000 project to consolidate and expand Buttermilk’s production facilities in Bodmin. This expansion includes the merging of two production units into one, which will create 14 new jobs and double the production capacity. A key aspect of this expansion is the focus on sustainability, with the installation of solar panels and a heat recovery system to reduce the factory’s carbon footprint significantly.

Tracy Goad highlighted the importance of the investment in meeting the growing demand for Buttermilk’s innovative chocolate bars and creating stable, quality employment opportunities in Cornwall. The funding will also support training programs for the Buttermilk team, enhancing their skills in food safety, quality, and technology.

David Goad emphasised the expansion’s role in enabling Buttermilk to meet increasing demand, develop new products, and explore further international markets. The investment ensures that Buttermilk can continue to offer products suitable for everyone, free from the risk of cross-contamination and aligned with various dietary requirements.

Cllr Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for economy, praised Buttermilk as a model for sustainable and values-based business practices. The company’s commitment to carbon reduction, staff development, and paying the Living Wage aligns with the Good Growth programme’s objectives to support local businesses and promote sustainable growth.

The Good Growth programme, managed by Cornwall Council and funded by the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, is designed to boost prosperity in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly by investing in businesses, communities, and skills development. Buttermilk’s expansion is a testament to the programme’s success in fostering local innovation and sustainable growth.

This investment not only signifies a leap forward for Buttermilk but also highlights the potential for sustainable practices and innovation in the UK confectionery industry, setting a benchmark for others to follow.

To find out more about the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth programme and the projects it is supporting in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, visit the Good Growth website.