THE future of a top milkshake company based in north Essex has been secured after it received an investment boost.

Tiptree-based brand Shaken Udder has expanded since it was founded in 2004 by Jodie and Andrew Howie.

The couple started out by selling their products out of a trailer at the likes of Glastonbury and Bestival music festivals.

Now it is one of the top milkshake brands in the UK with the highest selling dairy-free, plant-based grab and go shake under sister brand Shaken Other.

The company, based on Heathwell Farm, in Simpsons Lane, now has sales of more than £20million a year and it has doubled in size over the past two years.

The brand’s popular shakes are sold in major retailers across the country, including Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose, Morrisons, Asda, Co-op and Boots.

Shaken Udder is set to expand even more after it has secured a minority investment from LDC, the private equity arm of Lloyds Banking Group.

This will support the business to broaden its customer base and product range and target international expansion.

As part of the investment, food and drink expert James Lambert, founder of global ice cream manufacturer R&R Ice Cream, is joining the Shaken Udder board as non-executive chairman.

Jodie said: “Shaken Udder was born out of our shared passion for music festivals, the great outdoors, and milkshakes, and we’ve loved every minute of the journey so far.

“But there’s still so much more to come. The team at LDC has taken the time to get to know our business, and we’re really looking forward to embarking on the next stage of our growth journey with their support.”

Husband and fellow founder Andrew added: “Jodie and I are very lucky in that we enjoy going to work every day.

“We are so proud and passionate about the brand we’ve created, and there is so much potential left to achieve.

“We can’t wait for our next chapter with the backing of LDC, having James on board and with some exciting, ambitious plans ahead.”