Irish retain passion for chocolate

RECENT changes in the chocolate market mean that many of this year’s Easter eggs are coming out of their boxes, some are going online, while a small few are even wearing sunglasses.

The Irish love affair with chocolate has continued despite the recession and in 2013 we were identified as the second highest per capita consumers in the world, chomping our way through 9.9 kilos a year, each, and through €16m worth of eggs and other products last Easter.

In the run-up to the second biggest event in the Irish chocolate-buying calendar, artisan chocolate makers were busy working on new and innovative Easter creations. Coco Atalier in Dublin has produced Karl L’Egg-arfeld with designer sunglasses and trendy shoes, Lough Derg Chocolates in Co Tipperary was making personalised shoes and eggs and the Chocolate Warehouse in Dublin offered Easter Bunny visits.