Wickedly Welsh Chocolate
Wickedly Welsh Chocolate is a chocolate factory located in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales. The business makes its own chocolate at the premises.[1] The company's product is available at 25 stores in the local area[2] including Oakwood Theme Park.[3]
History
[edit]The factory was started by Mark Owen in April 2014, who suffers from type 1 diabetes. Consequently, the company's product range is diabetic-friendly.[4] The business creates a range of chocolates, amongst which is a chocolate high in flavanols. Owen's wife Karen had previously worked on the nearby Pemberton's Chocolate Farm in Llanboidy and knew the appropriate machinery to purchase. The couple tried to take over running of the farm, which was on the market, but failed to do so, setting up their current premises instead.[1][2]
In the eight months after opening, the factory catered to 20,000 visitors, although due to a huge increase in production the former Visitors Centre and café are now permanently closed[2] The company runs a regular newsletter via email to around 15,000 subscribers with ideas for chocolate-based recipes.[5] Local MP Stephen Crabb has praised the factory and business, calling it "a fantastic addition to Pembrokeshire's tourism offer".[1] The company runs regular promotions for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and Halloween.[5] The company have produced a Willy Wonka-themed "Golden Ticket" campaign, with winners receiving tickets for both the factory and Oakwood Theme Park.[3] For Easter 2015, the factory collaborated with Wales Online to provide a VIP tour of the factory as a competition prize.[6]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Young family bring their passion for chocolate to Pembrokeshire". Western Telegraph. 16 April 2014. Retrieved 19 May 2015.
- ^ a b c "Inspirational small businesses". The Daily Telegraph. 19 December 2014. Archived from the original on December 21, 2014. Retrieved 19 May 2015.
- ^ a b "Wickedly Welsh Chocolate Company is breaking the mould". South Wales Evening Post. 23 July 2014. Retrieved 19 May 2015.
- ^ "Wickedly Welsh chocolatier turns his hand to making chocolate for diabetics". Wales Online. 9 March 2015. Retrieved 19 May 2015.
- ^ a b "Mother's Day or Easter ... your business can hang on to that holiday feeling". The Guardian. 5 March 2015. Retrieved 19 May 2015.
- ^ "Win a chocolate lover's dream prize in the WalesOnline Easter egg hunt". Wales Online. 31 March 2015. Retrieved 19 May 2015.