Cacao special from Northern Irish chocolatier

Cobden and Brown, the Northern Irish artisan chocolatier, has launched a new 100 per cent Cacao bar in response to market demands for sugar-free treats.

The cacao bar is natural and unsweetened and is one of two new products developed by the company, which is headed by chocolatier Caroline McArdle and based near Moira, county Antrim. The other bar is a 60 per cent Lime and Himalayan Pink Salt flavour. Both are gluten-free. The 100g bars retail at around £3 each.

Caroline McArdle, referring to the new bars, says: "Feedback from customers to both bars has been extremely positive. Lime and Himalayan Salt work extremely well together and produce a rich flavour. The 100 per cent Cacao bar has attracted very favourable response from consumers, especially those in health stores, looking for sugar-free sweets.

"The Cacao bar in particular is the result of extensive market research and product development over the past few months. Consumers also find it great for cooking. Sales are really encouraging," she adds.

Cobden and Brown was launched by Mrs McArdle, a graphic designer by profession, in 2011. The business recently opened a purpose-built production unit.

"The Cobden and Brown identity reflects the philosophy underpinning the business; we produce delicious chocolates that taste great and are also gluten-free, the latter being an important and developing market opportunity. This means that people with coeliac disease, for example, can continue to enjoy delicious chocolate that's handcrafted and without gluten."

Caroline's decision to start making chocolate followed her son being diagnosed with the coeliac condition. She began making chocolate treats for him in her kitchen and then faced approaches from family, friends and other contacts seeking to experience her range of chocolate bars.

After a few years of research and experience gained working with some of the finest chocolatiers in the world, she produced a chocolate delicious enough for all, especially coeliacs, to enjoy.

In addition to being gluten-free, Cobden and Brown chocolates are free from wheat and eggs. The company's dark chocolate is also dairy-free.

Another key feature of the products is that they are produced without any processed ingredients. The products are carefully handmade in small batches to recipes that she has developed and are fully tested as being gluten-free by a fully accredited laboratory.

"This means is that customers can count on the products being completely gluten-free and on the provenance of all the ingredients. We have total control over the sourcing of all ingredients and the entire production process," she adds.