Little Moons is set to slash jobs and close its new factory, mere months after it expanded production.

The mochi ice cream brand opened a 50,000 sq ft Kettering factory earlier this year in a move it described as a “massive moment for all of us here at Little Moons”.

The new site came as a replacement for the frozen treat brand’s two London factories, which it closed to shift production to the Kettering facility.

It followed Little Moons doubling its annual turnover last year, after sales grew from £25.5m to £68.5m in the 18 months to the end 30 December 2022, boosted by strong growth across key markets such as the UK, France, Germany and Australia.

However, in a decision showing a retreat in strategy, the brand has now announced it will move its manufacturing hub back to the two London sites.

A spokesperson said: “Little Moons led a robust assessment of its business to ensure operational efficiency that will facilitate a stable and profitable future.”

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“This has resulted in proposed structural changes across the whole business: how we go to market, manufacture and support the business. And this does include exploring the viability of shutting down the factory in Kettering and consolidating its operations back into Park Royal and Wembley.

“These proposals may lead to job losses and staff affected by the proposal have been informed and are being formally consulted before any final decision is taken. We understand the uncertainty and impact that this will have on the people in our team.”

Little Moons vowed to “mitigate for redundancy risk” by not backfilling vacant roles or giving people the opportunity to consider new roles.