An Aberdeen-based fudge business will shut up shop on Friday due to rising costs.
Nom Nom Fudge, on Victoria Road in Torry, has sold homemade chocolate fudge, ice cream and retro sweets to customers since August 2018.
But on the fourth anniversary of his shop opening, owner Douglas Hall has made the “heartbreaking” announcement he is closing it down.
He hopes to still sell his goods at events and online, but said with costs on the up it is no longer viable to keep the shop.
“Costs have been good all the way through, and now it’s all hit at once,” he said.
“We’ve been monitoring it for a while, but everything is increasing. Suppliers are going out as well due to the costs.
“We just finished our electric price cap and it has gone up by 200%. And, we’ve been told it’ll go up by another 30 to 40% in October and January.
“It is what it is, unfortunately. It was heartbreaking to come to the decision, but it’s the right thing to do at the moment.”
The family business is run by Mr Hall full-time, while his daughter, wife and mum help out on a part-time basis.
They are hoping to carry on selling the homemade fudge at events and markets in the area and through the online shop.
“I’m keeping my fingers crossed for approval,” he added.
Support from the community
Since announcing the closure last week, Nom Nom Fudge has experienced “quite a busy spell”.
“People have been getting their fix of fudge before the closure and wishing us well for the future,” Mr Hall said.
“It’s been positive for us.”
Nom Nom Fudge is the second business in Torry to announce its closure due to rising costs this week.
The Royal Crown Chinese Takeaway, owned by Martin Tang, is planning on closing after its gas bill rose from £1,000 to more than £10,000 per quarter in just a matter of months.
The family-owned business has been open in Torry for almost 50 years but has been hit hard by the current cost of living crisis.
Mr Hall added: “Everyone we meet at markets have been complaining about rising costs as well. Especially those with premises, it’s hitting hard.
“There’s only so much of the cost you can pass onto the customer before they stop buying.”
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