Parents whose children have an allergy to chocolate are discovering one delicious fact about Father Christmas - he doesn't half take some licking.
At a time when demand for healthier products is booming, Nuneaton specialist confectionery firm D & D Chocolate has found a market niche producing an alternative for people who cannot eat dairy chocolate.
Children with an intolerance to dairy products will be tackling the sweet Christmas treat with relish this year, thanks to the horn-like pod of the Mediterranean Carob plant which is used as the main ingredient in a range of hand-finished novelties produced at Centenary Business Centre - the biggest of Warwickshire County Council's business incubators.
Redundancy is never appetising but after losing her job Barbara Burgess took a bite at working for herself by setting up the firm five years ago.
Since then sales have blossomed and at the height of the summer she is now thinking about Christmas by producing 3,000 Santa Claus novelties which will be sold during the festive season through retailers such as Waitrose and independent health shops.
Carob contains no caffeine or stimulants, and can benefit people who suffer from migraine attacks, or are diabetic, or hyperactive.
Some specialists believe it may also have benefits for autistic children.
Ms Burgess' portfolio of customers includes nine of the UK's biggest health food wholesalers.
She said: "I realised I could fill a gap in the market and went for it."
Centenary Business Centre in Attleborough Fields is also enjoying the taste of success. The centre is 95 per cent occupied.
Manager Paul Kerr said: " Companies that have taken their first step on the property ladder here are now seeing the benefits of being part of this small business community.
"Businesses operating in this sheltered environment enjoy three times the survival success rate of businesses that don't."
