Sian Holt, IoD Kent ambassador for Food & Drink and MD of premium confectioners Fudge Kitchen, celebrates 35 years in the fudge business this year. Since then, she has re-educated a marketplace to the premium potential of fudge and grown a UK wide chain of seven shops, hand making authentic, whipping cream fudge on the premises.In 2012, she launched a parallel wholesale range of gourmet, handmade confectionery, including fudge, caramels and brittles, and opened the company’s Aylesham production facility. From here, over 60 products are produced, supplying more than 200 stockists of artisan foods across 12 countries, ranging from Selfridge’s and Harrods to Spinney’s in the Middle East.
Sian is looking forward to welcoming IoD members to Aylesham. A tour of the production process will take in the science of confectionery making, demonstrations by the artisan team, insights into their tirelessly innovative new product development work and a ‘Test-Your-Taste buds’ blind sampling of some of the 40-plus, extraordinary fudge flavours produced by Fudge Kitchen.
Sian will also talk about the 35 year long history and growth of the business, about the expansions in product ranges and into new markets, streamlining production through lean manufacturing, growing the company while retaining proudly protected artisan integrity and what the future holds for Fudge Kitchen and the confectionery market.