Innovative printed chocolate technology launched in Northern Ireland

Artisan chocolatier The Chocolate Manor has developed an innovative means of printing on chocolate.

Formed by artisan chocolatier Geri Martin, the small business, based at Coleraine in county Londonderry in Northern Ireland, has created hand printed chocolates for use with photographs, messages and logos. She has a background in marketing and public relations and has also acquired qualifications in chocolate production.

Mrs Martin's strategy is to create innovative chocolate products that are striking and different from chocolatiers in offering a range of truffle flavourings and handmade chocolates. The printing technology is an extension of her experience handcrafting shapes such as shoes, handbags, cowboy boots, as well as a range of other novelty items created in the finest Belgian chocolate. She launched the business in November 2012 as a home kitchen-based enterprise and has since moved into a fully-equipped production unit. The unit includes a purpose-built kitchen.

"I developed the idea of a 'chocolate board' on which every item was handcrafted from Belgian chocolate. I created a map of New Zealand, a Paris inspired board with the Eiffel Tower, golf, football and dog themed boards. I realised that I wanted my business to create chocolates that would surprise and delight and I began to focus on developing it in that way," she says.

"While these creations were initially popular for events and as corporate gifts, retailers have been starting to show interest in stocking them," she adds.

The business has grown beyond the 'craft fair' scene and is focused on faster growth through e-commerce, as well as selling through retailers. "There is also significant potential for corporate contracts/sales with our branded/printed chocolate range," she says.

"But to be able to move into these markets I required assistance in developing our labelling in particular, ensuring that all legal requirements are met, with full nutritional profile of solid chocolate products, analysis of product stability for longer shelf life. These have now been achieved.

"The printed chocolates are also unique in the local marketplace offering businesses and individuals the chance to have their photos, images or messages reproduced on chocolate."

The Chocolate Manor now has a range of solid and printed chocolate products that have full nutritional profile of all chocolate and additional ingredients used along with a printed packaging process.

The company is developing a 10-strong range of printed chocolates for both retail and corporate clients.