Downsizing keeps things sweet for chocolatier

A Cavan-based hand-made chocolate firm has developed a range of low-cost products which have compensated for the effects of the recession and could now lead to sales growth in more lucrative export markets, writes Trish Dromey

IN the recession people are still saying ‘I love you’ with chocolate hearts on Valentine’s Day, only with smaller less expensive ones than in the boom years. Ann Rudden of Áine Hand Made Chocolate in Co Cavan, said that three or four years ago, customers thought nothing of splashing out €25 or even €50 on a gift chocolate heart.

“Now they are buying smaller items such as a 100 gramme heart saying ‘I love you’ or ‘Be mine’ which retails at €3.50 or a 300g heart for €12.50.”