Northern Bloc receives £1.2m investment to continue growing plant-based ice cream business
Northern Bloc will use a £1.2m investment to enable it produce almost double the volume of its plant-based ice cream.
Northern Bloc aims to become the UK’s number one plant-based ice cream brand with the business having almost tripled its sales in the last three years.
It began its move into the 18,000 sq ft former Bagel Nash production site in Leeds (UK) on 19 July. First, it will convert the existing facilities into a purpose-built ice creamery and – by the end of the summer – fully relocate its expanded production facility and office-based sales and marketing team.
Production will begin immediately. The site will eventually be home to a factory shop and will host street party-style events.
The move has been made possible by Gresham House Ventures who previously invested in Northern Bloc in January 2021, which enabled the business to expand its team and production capacity.
Whilst the business’ growth is primarily from its plant-based range, available in Waitrose, Co-op and Ocado and out-of-home venues including the National Trust and Wagamama, Northern Bloc continues to produce dairy products too, which can be found in tourist attractions and theatres across the country.
It has also recently added a premium, soft serve plant-based ice cream to its out of home range, known as THE WHiP! by Norhern Block.
Giles Whitman, portfolio director at Gresham House Ventures said expressed his delight at supporting the “continued growth of such a pioneering brand: when he said: “Northern Bloc’s commitment to plant-based and naturally, responsibly sourced ingredients strongly aligns with our focus on sustainability and we’re excited to see what possibilities the new premises will bring.”
Co-founder and director at Northern Bloc, Josh Lee said since 2021, the brand experienced 80% growth in turnover as out-of-home accounts started to come back from the pandemic in a strong position.
“We also won new out-of-home accounts and our retail business bloomed. Our first round of investment enabled us to be able to quickly and effectively fulfil this demand and we’re excited to see what the next year brings, on the back of this second investment.” Lee added.
“We can’t wait to open our doors to the public at our new site and introduce more people to the world of Northern Bloc.”
