THE wraps are about to come off a closely-guarded secret which Skipton-based business Whitakers Chocolates has kept close to its chest over the past 12 months.

The firm has been secretly developing what is set to be the first of its kind in the UK retail market - a selection tin of vegan chocolates ‘Vegan Tin-Tations’.

Specifically designed and created for the vegan market, the selection tin contains an assortment of vegan milk and dark chocolates and toffee in a variety of flavours.

Whitakers Chocolates, who has been master chocolatiers in Skipton for over 130 years, identified a gap in the market for a Christmas selection tin and the team has spent the last year perfecting the recipe, flavour combinations and the design of the tin.

William Whitaker, managing director of Whitakers Chocolates and the fourth generation to enter the family firm, explained: “It was a bold move to be the first chocolatier to create and invest in making such a product, however, we felt with our diverse product range and customer base, we just had to do it.

“It has been such an exciting and fun product to develop and we now hope we get the support of the vegan community behind it.”

In addition and in-line with Whitakers Chocolates’ ongoing sustainability goals, the 525g tin and contents are either fully reusable, recyclable and home compostable, making it great news for any environmentally concerned consumers and adding to the company’s already green credentials.

First production commenced this September, with the final product being available from mid-October.

Whitakers has been creating and selling vegan and vegetarian-friendly chocolates for some time and has received good reviews. The company makes a wide range of chocolates, fudges, creams and wafers.

The company is taking pre-orders via its website: www.whitakerschocolates.com

Anyone interested in finding out more about the vegan range and the selection of other sweet treats they make should visit the website for further details.