CHOCOLATE FACTORY SAVED

GEELONG businessman Ben Fabretto has bought his very own chocolate factory.

More than 20 local workers will keep their jobs after Mr Fabretto acquired Freckleberry Chocolate Factory, ensuring the well-known national brand remains in Geelong.

The Geelong-based chocolate factory and retail business entered into voluntary administration last month.

The business continued to trade and accept Christmas orders as administrators looked at a possible recapitalisation of the business or selling it as a going concern.

When Mr Fabretto heard about the local business being at risk of relocating interstate, he said he just had to step in.

“I love chocolate and Freckleberry’s Belgian chocolate is some of the finest in Australia,” he said.

When news broke to staff that a local businessman was buying the business, staff were said to be elated and relieved.

“Geelong is my home and I want to support our locals and our future,” Mr Fabretto said.

“If interstate investors purchased the factory, then there was a great chance the manufacturing would be shut down in Geelong, meaning that 20 families would lose their jobs — a dire prospect for these families in the lead up to Christmas.”

Mr Fabretto said the future of the Freckleberry Chocolate Factory was bright, with plans to expand the business and export locally-made chocolates globally.

The expansion will mean more jobs for Geelong and put the city on the international chocolate map.

Administrator Barry Wight said he was delighted to confirm the sale of the Freckleberry business.

“The sale will result in the chocolate manufacturing operations remaining in Geelong,” he said.

“This is a great outcome for the Geelong area and, in particular, for the employees and their families in the lead up to Christmas.

“The administrators would like to thank all customers and suppliers who showed fantastic support to the business during the administration process.

“It is business as usual for Freckleberry under the new ownership structure and we encourage the local Geelong community to continue to support the business moving forward.”

Opened in 2010, Freckleberry’s wholesale division supplies retailers, fundraising organisations, corporate buyers and also caters for private label customers.

Earlier this year, former owner Megan Van Oirschot opened the dedicated children’s party venue Freckld.