By Scott Wright

PORTOBELLO-based Coco Chocolatier has revealed major expansion plans which will see it create a manufacturing facility and visitor centre at a new base in South Queensferry.

The chocolate maker is making the move to Port Edgar Marina after steady growth in the last seven years, which has led it to outgrow its current premises.

Its new home is a 10,000 square feet site, previously occupied by antiques retailer Shapes, next to marina shop Beacon, Scott’s restaurant and Port Edgar Watersports. The site is currently being fitted out and is expected to be completed by spring 2021.

COCO, which was established in 2004 and taken over by Calum Haggerty in 2013, sources chocolate “at origin”in Colombia. It is then worked into a range of flavoured bars and drinking chocolate in Portobello.

COCO, which has 15 staff, sells its wares online and in retail stores in Europe, the US, China and India.

Mr Haggerty said: “We have been searching for a new home for the past year, and we were thrilled to find Port Edgar Marina.

“We chose Port Edgar because it’s already a popular destination, and has useful transport links. But also, we fell in love with the beautiful views and the community spirit of our soon-to-be neighbouring businesses.”