Galway chocolate brands are changing tastes
By Kerrie Bolger Gardiner
Chocolate has long been seen as an indulgence; a quick, sugary snack consumed without a second thought. Across Ireland however, that perception is beginning to shift. For a new group of chocolatiers from the West of Ireland, chocolate isn’t just about sweetness. Now, chocolate is an experience, with a focus on quality and wellbeing.
From hand-painted artisan creations to cacao-based morning rituals, Galway chocolate brands are targeting consumers who want more than a sugar hit. Instead, they are appealing to people interested in quality ingredients, ethical sourcing, and supporting local producers.
For Grá Chocolates founder Gráinne Mullins from Kilchreest, that changing relationship with chocolate is becoming clear.
“I think there has been a massive shift in how people view their food over the last few years,” she said. “People aren’t just looking for a sugar fix anymore; they want a connection to what they’re eating.”
Mullins launched Grá Chocolates in 2020 from a shed in her parents’ home before growing the business into one of the country’s best-known artisan chocolate brands. The Galway company has become known for hand-painted bon bons and statement Easter Eggs that look more like decorative centrepieces than traditional confectionary.
While cacao cannot be grown in Ireland, Mullins said sourcing local remains central to the business. Grá Chocolates uses Valrhona chocolate, a premium French manufacturer that is chosen for both its quality, and B Corp certification. Mullins explained that when the chocolate arrives in Galway, Grá brings it to life with local ingredients such as Irish milk and butter, Achill Island Sea Salt, and a sweet, local honey.
“At the very heart of Grá chocolates is a commitment to the incredible bounty of the Irish landscape,” she said. “We aim to capture the essence of Ireland in every hand-painted shell.”
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