Wickedly Welsh Chocolate

Wickedly Welsh Chocolate is a chocolate factory and visitor centre located in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales. The business makes its own chocolate at the premises. Visitors can also experience hands-on chocolate demonstrations, have a drink in the cafe and buy chocolates at the shop.[1] The company's product is available at 25 stores in the local area[2] including Oakwood Theme Park.[3]

Outside Wickedly Welsh
wickedly Welsh chocolate rugby balls
Wickedly Welsh chocolate shop
Flavanol rich chocolates

History

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. Flavanols in cocoa can reduce blood pressure and many other risk factors for dementia and diabetes.[5] 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 since opening, the factory catered for 20,000 visitors.[2] The company runs a regular newsletter via email to around 15,000 subscribers with ideas for chocolate-based recipes.[6] 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.[6] 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.[7] In November 2016 it was criticised on Twitter for welcoming UKIP AM Neil Hamilton and his wife.[8]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Young family bring their passion for chocolate to Pembrokeshire". Western Telegraph. 16 April 2014. Retrieved 19 May 2015.
  2. 1 2 3 "Inspirational small businesses". The Daily Telegraph. 19 December 2014. Retrieved 19 May 2015.
  3. 1 2 "Wickedly Welsh Chocolate Company is breaking the mould". South Wales Evening Post. 23 July 2014. Retrieved 19 May 2015.
  4. ↑ "Wickedly Welsh chocolatier turns his hand to making chocolate for diabetics". Wales Online. 9 March 2015. Retrieved 19 May 2015.
  5. ↑ "Heartburn help at hand, plus the healing power of music". Mail on Sunday. 29 March 2015. Retrieved 19 May 2015.
  6. 1 2 "Mother's Day or Easter ... your business can hang on to that holiday feeling". The Guardian. 5 March 2015. Retrieved 19 May 2015.
  7. ↑ "Win a chocolate lover's dream prize in the WalesOnline Easter egg hunt". Wales Online. 31 March 2015. Retrieved 19 May 2015.
  8. ↑ https://twitter.com/Ichy_Vagenda/status/800419288482017281. Missing or empty |title= (help)

External links

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 11/22/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.