Pictured at the National Enterprise Awards were: Brendan Jennings, Director of Service, Cavan County Council; Marcella Rudden, Head of Enterprise, LEO Cavan; Michael Doherty, Aine’s Chocolates Ltd; Damien English T.D. Minister of State for Business, Employment & Retail; Ann Rudden, Aine’s Chocolates Ltd; Andrea Corrigan, Senior Enterprise Development Officer, LEO Cavan; Aidan McKenna, Regional Director, Enterprise Ireland NE & NW.

Cavan company wins at National Enterprise Awards

Published:

Áine’s Chocolates were winners of the North-East Region award at this year’s National Enterprise Awards. The awards, which took place at the Mansion House in Dublin on June 2, are in their 23rd year and run annually by the Local Enterprise Offices.

Located in Stradone, Aine’s Chocolates produces a wide range of premium chocolate bars and other treats. They supply a number of retail giants such as Dunnes Stores, Aldi, Lidl, and Supervalu and have also begun supplying products to Harrod’s of London, which has resulted in a growing profile for Aine’s Chocolates in the UK market.

Founded in 1999 by master chocolatier Ann Rudden, Aine’s Chocolates has developed an appetite for success. They have won no less than 25 Great Taste Awards, including 13 Gold Medals and two IQ awards. They have also received and recommendations from leading food critics such as John and Sally McKenna and food guru Rick Stein.

“I hope that my business journey, so far, will inspire other female entrepreneurs in the county," said Ann of their success at the National Enterprise Awards. “I have received a lot of support from LEO Cavan – mentoring, training, development programmes and financial support, which has been a huge help in developing the success of my company. I am also a member of the local food network, Created in Cavan, which aims to promote and support our local food producers and others in the sector, and Cavan Business Women’s Club, which is an initiative of LEO Cavan”.

Aine’s Chocolates is an Origin Green Sustainability Programme Gold Member and their continuous improvement plans include a major current expansion project, working closely with LEO Cavan and Enterprise Ireland.

Marcella Rudden, Head of Enterprise, LEO Cavan stated “We are delighted to have supported Ann and her team in Aine’s Chocolates Ltd over the past ten years and this award is well deserved. Ann is a true ambassador for rural enterprise and her drive, ambition and work ethic has brought her the success she is enjoying today, and we wish her well as she continues to grow and scale her business globally.”

Published: