A CUMBRIAN-based chocolate maker has been named a finalist in two categories in the Confectionary and Artisan award pre-selections 2023.

Sarah Wood, co-founder of Freedom Chocolate in Swarthmoor, near Ulverston, says they are ‘absolutely delighted’ to be chosen.

She said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen as finalists for not just one, but two free-from awards.

“We pride ourselves in the fact that our chocolate is one of the only chocolates on the market which is free from all the top 14 allergens.

“Being named finalists for both the flavours we entered is a wonderful validation of the hard work we have put in to create a palette of different tastes infused with purely natural flavours.”

The awards are fully independent and are the only awards in the UK for ‘Free From’ food and drink.

Winners will be announced at the presentation party in London on June 8.

Freedom Chocolate recently returned to Cumbria for good after a short spell in Kent for family reasons.

Simon and Sarah started Freedom Chocolate in 2017. Their chocolate story unfolded as they tried to find treats for their own family of six.

Co-founder and chocolate artisan Simon said: “We just could not find anything that was properly allergen free and actually tasted good.

“For some time, we just did not buy any chocolate at all so we tried making our own. Friends and family then encouraged us to make more and finally, we decided to share our love for chocolate with a wider audience.”

As the business grows, Simon and Sarah have plans to expand the Cumbrian-based business and give back by providing supported employment to those with Autism and other additional needs, due to their own experience of the condition with Simon and the children on the Autism Spectrum.

To celebrate being named finalist twice, Freedom Chocolate have a Finalists Pack available at a special price. Visit: https://www.freedomchocolate.co.uk/