A CARLISLE chocolatier has been named as a finalist in the Free-from Awards.

Freedom Chocolate is one of the finalists for three Free-from Awards in the Confectionary and Artisan award pre-selections 2021.

Winners are set to be announced at a presentation party on May 27.

Sarah Wood, co-owner of Freedom Chocolate, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen as finalists for not just one, but three 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 three of the six 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 unique to the UK.

Freedom Chocolate was recently also named among the top 11 best vegan chocolate bars by the Independent national newspaper.

Simon and Sarah started Freedom Chocolate three-and-a-half years ago.

Their story began when they tried to find treats for their own family of six.

Simon, co-owner and chocolatier, 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 until 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.”

Sarah and Simon plan to take their brand international.