A new state-of-the-art facility will provide twice the capacity, 3.5 times the productive space and a platform for the brand to reach production of over 10,000 tonnes of tofu by 2033.
The Tofoo Co., the UK’s No. 1 tofu brand, is investing in its future with a major new manufacturing facility at Malton Enterprise Park, North Yorkshire, designed to transform production capabilities, improve operational efficiency and support the business’s ambitious growth plans.
Construction began in September 2026 with Harrison Developments Malton LLP leading the development and build. The new facility is expected to be completed in autumn 2027 when The Tofoo Co. plans to move into its new home.
The investment marks a significant milestone for the business as it responds to growing consumer demand for natural sources of protein, including tofu. As shoppers increasingly explore plant-based options and seek versatile, protein-rich ingredients, tofu represents an important growth opportunity for the UK food market. With ambitions to reach production volumes of over 10,000 tonnes by 2033, the new factory will provide the capacity, space and flexibility required to meet this demand and support The Tofoo Co.’s continued expansion, which includes recent launches in both the French and German markets, where the business sees substantial growth opportunities.
Designed around the future needs of the business, the facility will initially enable twice the production capacity and 3.5 times the productive space of the current operation. Beyond increasing manufacturing capacity, the new site will create opportunities for product innovation, customer engagement and future development. Dedicated space for a Tofoo Co. development kitchen and pilot plant will support new product development, trials and customer experiences, while 25% of the facility’s non-allocated space will be retained to accommodate future products and evolving business needs.
The new factory is a strategic investment in The Tofoo Co.’s long-term competitiveness. Its existing facilities are increasingly space-constrained, limiting the in-house opportunities to fuel future development. With leases on existing buildings due to expire in 2028, a purpose-built facility provides a long-term solution. Once operational, the factory is designed to support sales of £73 million.
Alongside growth, sustainability is a central consideration in the design of the new facility. The building is being designed to accommodate a range of measures intended to improve resource efficiency, reduce environmental impact and support more sustainable manufacturing practices. These include opportunities to reduce wastewater, on-site solar generation, electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and heat recovery systems. Space will also be provided for full effluent treatment processes, giving the business greater scope to manage wastewater as part of its long-term environmental strategy.
By considering these capabilities at the design stage, The Tofoo Co. aims to create a facility that can evolve with its environmental ambitions and the changing requirements of the food industry.
The new development at Malton Enterprise Park represents a significant investment in The Tofoo Co.’s manufacturing future and its presence in North Yorkshire. The facility also presents an opportunity to develop skills and create pathways into food manufacturing, with apprenticeship schemes forming part of the business’s wider ambitions for people development.
Harrison Developments Malton LLP is leading the development and construction, with HSBC UK supporting the investment alongside the existing shareholders comprised of The Tofoo Co. and team and Comitis Capital. Together they are working to support The Tofoo Co. and establish the infrastructure needed to support its long-term growth plans.
David Knibbs – CEO, The Tofoo Co., said: “Breaking ground on our new factory is a hugely exciting moment for The Tofoo Co. We’ve built a strong position in the UK tofu market, and we see significant opportunities ahead as more consumers discover tofu as a natural, versatile source of protein. This investment is about creating the foundations for our next chapter and ensuring we have the capacity, capability and flexibility to meet growing demand from both the UK and Europe.”
“This is also a clear statement about investing in UK food manufacturing and developing the wider supply chain, something we passionately believe in. It is also about much more than increasing capacity. The new facility will give us twice the initial production capacity and significantly more productive space to enable us to grow. It gives us dedicated space for innovation, product development and customer engagement, with flexibility built in for the products we have yet to create.
We’re equally focused on building a facility that supports our sustainability ambitions. By planning for heat recovery, solar generation, wastewater reduction and effluent treatment, we’re taking an important step towards a more sustainable manufacturing operation.
We’re proud to be investing in British food manufacturing and look forward to working with Harrison Developments Malton LLP, HSBC UK and our wider partners to bring this exciting project to life.”
Sean Harrison – managing director, Harrisons Development Malton LLP, said: “We’re delighted to be leading the development of The Tofoo Co.’s new manufacturing facility at Malton Enterprise Park. This is an important investment for the business, and we look forward to delivering a facility that supports its ambitions for growth, operational efficiency and future innovation.”
Stephen Smith – senior relationship director, HSBC UK, said: “The new Tofoo Co. facility will provide the capacity and infrastructure the business needs to build on its strong position in the UK and pursue further growth in international markets.”
“It is particularly encouraging to see sustainability considered from the outset of this investment, with plans encompassing solar generation, heat recovery, electric vehicle charging and improved wastewater management. The Tofoo Co. is a great example of an ambitious UK brand investing for responsible, long-term growth, and we look forward to supporting the business on the next stage of its journey.”
With the development under way, The Tofoo Co. is laying the foundations for its next stage of growth. The new factory will combine increased capacity, dedicated innovation space and sustainability-led design to help the business meet future demand and strengthen its position in the European tofu market.
